Argentine football star Lionel Messi has finally signed a two-year deal with French League club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The soccer prodigy’s signing was finalised on 10 August 2021, after he landed in Paris to validate the transfer.
As expected, there was a huge crowd of PSG supporters that had gathered outside the airport to welcome the player. He was greeted with loud chants of “Messi!”
During his time as a Barcelona team-member, Messi won as many as 6 Ballon d’Or titles, making him one of the greatest of all-time. He became the most desired free agent last year following the expiration of his contract with Barcelona. Following this, he agreed to play for the Catalan club, that too with a pay cut. However, owing to the Spanish league’s financial regulations, his association with the club had to be ended.
Notably, PSG had paid an enormous transfer fee of 222 million euros to transfer Neymar from Barcelona in 2017. This, however, was not the case with Messi.
The soccer legend, who spent his entire professional career playing with Barcelona, had a four-year contract with the football club.
“I am excited to begin a new chapter at Paris Saint-Germain. Everything about the club matches my football ambitions,” he said after finalising the transfer, on 10 August 2021.
The inclusion of Barcelona’s all-time great, who has a tally of 682 goals, will surely boost PSG’s ambitions to win its maiden Champions League title. Responsible for winning as many as four Champions League titles while at Barcelona, Messi is more than likely to add much-needed power to the PSG’s arsenal.
Read also: Messi gone but wage ceiling still massive problem for Barcelona as new season looms
Reportedly, he stands to earn USD 41 million a year during his stay with PSG.
