We’re talking about just a matter of hours now…
Lionel Messi has agreed a deal with Paris Saint-Germain and will reportedly be arriving in Paris later on Tuesday to sign a two-year deal with the French giants.
After it emerged that Barcelona were unable to sign the Argentinian forward on a new deal because of La Liga and Financial Fair Play rules, PSG were always the frontrunners to sign him.
Widely considered to be the greatest player of all time, Messi looks set to link up once more with former teammate Neymar, and French wonderkid Kylian Mbappe.
The 34-year-old said his goodbyes to the Catalan club in an emotional press conference on Sunday and things have moved quickly since then, with PSG swooping in to sign him up.
According to transfer news extraordinaire Fabrizio Romano, Messi will sign with PSG on a two-year-deal with his salary expected to be a ludicrous €35 million per season. But considering the financial value that Barca could be set to miss out on by seeing Messi leave, maybe this is value for money.
Lionel Messi joins PSG… HERE WE GO! Total agreement completed on a two-years contract. Option to extend until June 2024. Salary around €35m net per season add ons included. 🇦🇷🇫🇷 #Messi
Messi has definitely accepted PSG contract proposal and will be in Paris in the next hours. pic.twitter.com/DiM5jNzxTA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2021
The question now is whether this signing can be the final piece of the PSG jigsaw and see them achieve their ultimate aim of winning the Champions League.
Messi’s arrival in France is also a coup for the French league, with his presence in Ligue 1 sure to elevate the status and international pull of the league, which is currently embroiled in a crisis over TV rights.
Related links:
How losing Lionel Messi could cost Barcelona €137M
Lionel Messi expected to wear old shirt number at Paris Saint-Germain
Tearful Messi bids farewell to Barca in emotional press conference