Barcelona have failed in a desperately late bid to keep hold of Lionel Messi, according to a new report.
The Argentine was in tears at a farewell press conference on Sunday in which he revealed he was leaving against his wishes after doing ‘all I can do’ to try and stay.
Barcelona’s ongoing financial crisis dictates that they have been priced out of a move to keep free agent Messi – although, according to La Porteria, that did not stop them making a desperate late offer to try and avoid a divorce with their greatest ever player.
Paris Saint-Germain have aggressively pursued Messi since it was confirmed he would be leaving Barcelona and a deal to take him to the French capital is expected to be confirmed today.
CEO Ferran Reverter was reportedly tasked with the negotiations in the final offer but came up short in reaching an agreement.
It was described as an ‘informal’ offer and having already said his goodbyes – and hinted at a switch to a European rival – there looks to be no going back.
South American outlet Olé claimed that the final offer from Barcelona ‘arrived too late’ and Messi, after 35 titles at the Nou Camp, is closing in on a mega move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi, who confirmed he had offered to take a 50 per cent pay cut to continue a period of service which brought 672 goals in 778 appearances, said on Sunday: ‘This is what (Joan) Laporta said right up until the last minute, and because of everything with the league, it suddenly couldn’t happen.
