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Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino coy on Lionel Messi speculation

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 08 August 2021

Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino remains coy on reports claiming that Lionel Messi is set to arrive at the Parc des Princes on a two-year deal.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has remained tight-lipped over the prospect of Lionel Messi joining the Ligue 1 giants.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner was ultimately forced to wave goodbye to Barcelona on Thursday evening, as financial obstacles prevented him from signing a new deal at the club.

PSG are now understood to be closing in on the signing of the Argentine, but Pochettino has refused to give anything away when discussing his compatriot.

Speaking to reporters after his side's 2-1 victory over Troyes on Saturday, Pochettino said: "His name is associated with different clubs, there are plenty of rumours.

"We will see what happens in the coming days. The players have stayed focused. We did not start the game well and we gave away too many chances for my liking.

"But we have to give Troyes credit for making it difficult for us, they showed a lot of energy. We would have liked to win 5-0 but we'll take what we achieved."

Goals from Achraf Hakimi and Mauro Icardi propelled PSG to a 2-1 opening-day win over newly-promoted Troyes, who had drawn first blood through Oualid El Hajjam's header.

Les Parisiens are rumoured to be preparing a two-year contract offer for Messi, and a recent report claimed that the 34-year-old could be unveiled by the club on Tuesday.