The oil cheats probably all keep in touch with each other, not only to ensure transfer fix ups like you describe above, but also how their going to finish football for good
Roman was desperate for Messi for years. The fact that he didn't even try now makes me think people who should know knew about this happening. PSG was quite open about signing Messi since January or February, there were reports he spoke with Poch during winter...
I mean if your 20+ years marriage ends and you're heartbroken you will probably take some time to think about your future and don't go out with some new girl the very next day and say "ohh we just met". If that happens you've been with her for some time now. Clearly this is a way how to protect Messi's legacy
To put it bluntly the separation happened when he demanded Barto let him leave. The divorce was made official on Friday