After leaving Barcelona, Lionel Messi is in advanced talks to join Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year agreement

Due to "financial and structural hurdles," Barcelona was unable to fulfill a new contract that had been agreed upon with Messi.

On Thursday, Barcelona confirmed Lionel Messi's departure, with Paris Saint-Germain emerging as strong favorites to sign the striker; the 34-year-old having spent his entire career at the Nou Camp.

After leaving Barcelona, Lionel Messi is close to joining Paris Saint-Germain. Next week, the 34-year-old is likely to sign a two-year contract worth £25 million per year after taxes, with an option for a third year.

Messi's compatriot Mauricio Pochettino's PSG soon emerged as the frontrunners for his signature, bringing him back together with former Barcelona teammate Neymar.

PSG believes they have a decent chance of signing him and can afford to do so without breaking any Financial Fair Play laws.

This summer, free transfers Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos, and Georginio Wijnaldum have already arrived at the Parc des Princes.

PSG believes they have a good chance of completing a deal and can afford to sign him without breaking any Financial Fair Play rules.

Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos, and Georginio Wijnaldum have already arrived at the Parc des Princes on free transfers this summer.

Messi, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, had been a free agent since July 1 after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract with Barcelona before his previous deal expired on June 30.

Messi has spent his entire career at Barcelona, rising through the ranks of the club's academy before making his senior debut in 2003, scoring 672 goals in 778 matches.