As his 21-year life in Barcelona ends, he sets on a new beginning in Paris. Lionel Messi will be presented as a Paris Saint-Germain player on Wednesday after signing a two-year contract to end the uncertainties that have followed his career since June last year.
The deal includes an option to extend by a year and gives the forward a net salary of about €35m (£29.6m) with bonuses factored in.
Messi left Barcelona Tuesday to the warm welcome of throng of fans in Paris. The excited crowd had gathered from Monday as anticipation built for the Argentine astro. Messi had emerged before the fans wearing a T-shirt with the club’s trademark “Ici c’est Paris” on the front. But more than that, he wants more than fans chanting his name in the streets of Paris.
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“I am impatient to start a new chapter of my career in Paris,” Messi said. “The club and its vision are in perfect harmony with my ambitions. I know how talented the players and staff are here. I am determined to build, alongside them, something great for the club and for the fans. I can’t wait to set foot on the Parc des Princes pitch.”
Messi, his lawyers and his father, Jorge, had been in talks with PSG since Thursday, when the player’s plan to stay at Barcelona collapsed because of the club’s financial situation. The Catalan club is burdened by debts of more than 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion). Messi had agreed a five-year contract with Barcelona worth about €20m a season but couldn’t sign it because it conflicts with Spanish La Liga’s financial framework.
Messi will wear the No 30 shirt after reportedly turning down Neymar’s offer of the No 10 shirt. Neymar and Messi had been teammates in Barcelona before Neymar left for PSG in 2017 for a record €222 million deal. Now the Brazilian can’t hide his excitement at the opportunity to reunite with his former teammate and friend.
“Back together,” Neymar posted on Instagram over a video of them hugging, playing for Barcelona.
A press conference and presentation for Messi is planned for 11am Paris time on Wednesday.
PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi expressed his pride at the deal: “I am delighted that Lionel Messi has chosen to join Paris St-Germain. He did not hide his desire to continue to evolve at the highest level and to win trophies. The ambition of the club is of course identical.
“The addition of Leo to our world-class team confirms the relevance and success of our recruitment. Together with our great coach and his staff, I look forward to seeing our team make history for all of our supporters around the world.”
Messi’s move will link him with the PSG attacking force made up of Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and Ángel di María.
It was an emotional weekend in Barcelona on Sunday when Messi bade farewell to the city and fans of his childhood club during a press conference. The tearful 34-year old had explained how much he wanted to stay at Barcelona, but was forced to join PSG by structural and regulatory obstacles from La Liga. On Tuesday images of Messi on the Camp Nou facade were taken down.
A statement on PSG’s official Twitter account said: “Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the signing of Leo Messi on a two-year contract with an option of a third year. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is justifiably considered a legend of the game and a true inspiration for those of all ages inside and outside football.
“The signing of Leo reinforces Paris Saint-Germain’s aspirations as well as providing the club’s loyal fans with not only an exceptionally talented squad, but also moments of incredible football in the coming years.”
PSG was beaten into second place in Ligue 1 by Lille last season and knocked out of the Champions League in the semi-finals by Manchester City, so Messi’s signing is a major boost to the French club as they hope to do better this season.
Messi will have the company of a host of fellow Argentines including PSG’s coach, Mauricio Pochettino, who was delighted to have the playmaker in his team. PSG will be hoping not only that Messi helps the team regain the French title it lost to Lille last season, but finally win the Champions League.