PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN fans crowded an airport on Sunday night – after fake reports Lionel Messi was due to land in the French capital.
Hundreds of supporters gathered at the gates of the Le Bourget airport hoping to catch a glimpse of their new hero with phones ready to capture the moment.
Footage from Marca also showed the large group bustling along the street chanting ‘Messi’.
But they were left waiting – because Messi was still in Barcelona.
The Argentine great, 34, conducted a press conference with his boyhood club on Sunday lunchtime.
He was in tears as he explained he did not want to leave the Nou Camp – but was forced out with Barca’s financial woes.
It means the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is now a free agent and open to offers.
Paris Saint-Germain look to be in pole position to sign him with a medical imminent.
They expect to land the Argentine on a two-year contract – with reported wages of £570,000 per week.
Marca add Messi and his entourage will fly to Paris early this week – and could even land in France today.
That would see PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino secure free signings for Messi, Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum and Gianluigi Donnarumma in the same transfer window.
And Messi would line up in one of the most devastating attacks of all time alongside ex-Barca team-mate Neymar and superstar Frenchman Kylian Mbappe.
Neymar’s sister appeared to confirm the deal was done by welcoming Messi’s wife Antonela on Instagram.
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Rafaella commented in Portuguese: “Welcome beautiful!!!!” as they look to be reunited in Paris.
Barca’s record scorer told the media on Sunday afternoon: “Paris Saint-Germain is a possibility, yes.
“At the moment nothing is confirmed. I received lot of calls after Barcelona statement. We’re talking about it.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk