The encounter between Barcelona and PSG heating up

Barcelona set to face PSG in the first knockout round of the Champions League.

The clashes between Barcelona and PSG have always been entertaining affairs. The upcoming one is set to have an added element given the Ligue 1 side are reportedly one of the teams that will try to court Lionel Messi.

Over the past couple of weeks, a number of statements coming from PSG either indicated their interest or flat out stated they believed Messi would leave Barcelona and end up at PSG.

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According to Mundo Deportivo, both the club and the players are fed up with the constant speculation coming from the Parisian team. They see it as a sign of disrespect to brazenly speak about a player who still has a contract without any fear of about being sanctioned by FIFA.

Speaking about another player is not exactly a new thing but Barcelona are annoyed given the two sides are set to meet very soon in the Champions League.

Within the club, they also see it as PSG thinking they are going to get through their tie rather easily.

Neymar started the rumors when he said he wanted to play with Messi again. While he didn’t say where, it is quite clear if a reunion was to happen, it would happen at PSG as opposed to Barcelona.

The latest came from Angel Di Maria who said he saw a lot of possibilities in which Messi ended up at PSG. This prompted a response from Ronald Koeman who called Di Maria’s comments a “lack of respect.”

Messi has yet to make a decision regarding his future. From all accounts, he is going to wait until a new president is elected, speak to him and then decide what he is going to do.

What Messi wants is to win and be presented with a sound sporting project. Getting past PSG and making a deep run in the Champions League, however, may make a compelling argument as to why he should stay.