Paris Saint-Germain 'give up on Lionel Messi pursuit'

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly ended their attempts to sign Lionel Messi on a free transfer this summer.

The 34-year-old recently became a free agent after his contract with Barcelona expired in June, allowing the Argentine to speak with other clubs.

However, according to Marca, PSG are aware that the Catalan club are close to agreeing a new deal to re-sign Messi and so have now pulled out of the race for his signature.

Barca president Joan Laporta recently provided an optimistic message for the club's supporters, stating that contract negotiations with Messi's representatives are "progressing adequately".

Messi is now away on holiday, after winning his first major title with the Argentinian national team, who beat Brazil in the Copa America final on Sunday.

Barcelona's impending announcement for Messi's return will disappoint PSG forward Neymar, who was hoping to reunite with his friend and former teammate in the French capital.