Lionel Messi is officially a PSG player.
The Argentine has signed a two-year deal with Paris-Saint Germain with an option for a third year. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner expects to earn £53m per year, plus bonuses — that’s just over £1m a week.
Messi leaves his career-long club, Barcelona, where he made 778 appearances, scored 672 goals, and won 35 trophies — after failing to negotiate a new deal.
New La Liga financial fair plays would not permit Messi to extend his 21-year-career at Camp Nou, even if the 34-year-old decided to play for free.
Messi’s departure from Barcelona could cost the club a whopping €137 million in brand value, €17M loss on match days, €43M on merchandise, and €77 in business revenue.
Messi reunites with Neymar who played a key role in recruiting his former Barcelona teammate. Neymar posted an Instagram story this morning teasing Messi’s pending announcement.
Messi will play under sacked Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino who now manages a team with a daunting front three of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe with supporting superstars Verrati, Hakimi, Ramos, Marquinhos, and Donnarumma.
Paris’s new royalty will also wear the #30, even though that number is typically reserved for goalies in Ligue 1.
After undergoing medicals today, Messi will be confirmed an official press conference tomorrow, 11:00 am Paris time.
Buckle up. This is going to be quite a ride.
Photo: Twitter/@LeMechenoua
