Done deal.
Look at him in that kit. This is going to take some getting used to, isn’t it?
By now, this hardly comes as a surprise, but Lionel Messi is now officially a Paris Saint-Germain player.
Having flown to the French capital earlier in the day, a lengthy announcement video posted to PSG’s social channels finally offered the world a glimpse of the Argentine wearing the Ligue 1 side’s shirt on Tuesday night.
A new 💎 in Paris !
PSGxMESSI ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/2JpYSRtpCy
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) August 10, 2021
The 34-year-old is believed to have inked a two-year deal with a net salary of €25m a year in addition to a €25m signing on fee. The contract is also thought to include an option for a third season.
As reported earlier in the week when news of his likely move to France became clear, Messi will wear the number 30 shirt at his new club – the same number he wore on his debut for Barcelona.
“I am excited to begin a new chapter of my career at Paris Saint-Germain. Everything about the club matches my football ambitions. I know how talented the squad and the coaching staff are here.
“I am determined to help build something special for the club and the fans, and I am looking forward to stepping out onto the pitch at the Parc des Princes.”
After doing the now customary bit of keepie-uppies and tricks on the pitch, Messi showed off a handy GAA skill with a solid hand-pass to one of the PSG media team.
Lionel Messi, an honorary Irish man, with the Hand Pass 🇮🇪 ☘️ #ThingsYouLoveToSee #GAA pic.twitter.com/6jEwPAVjbe
— Colm McGuigan (@ColmMcGuigan) August 10, 2021
Nice follow-through and conviction from the Argentine…
Nice fist pass by the lad Leo #Messi at his #PSG presentation
He would have made some #Gaelic Footballer I tell ya bai ☘️🏐#GAA #Skill #GaaNow #Irish #Sport pic.twitter.com/txsBrCk5Pf
— Paul Morrissey (@Paul_Morrissey) August 11, 2021
Messi’s move was finalised after it emerged last week that Barcelona would be unable to offer him the contract he had verbally agreed with the club following the expiration of his previous deal earlier in the summer.
He bid farewell to the club during an emotional press conference over the weekend.
