Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) announced formally the signing of Lionel Messi on Tuesday as the former Barcelona star agreed on a two-year deal — with a third-year player option — to join a new club and league.
Sources told ESPN that Messi is expected to earn between €30-35 million ($35-41m) a year.
“My exit from Barca was very tough, after so many years, but as soon as I arrived here I was so happy, so motivated, so excited,” Messi said this week in a formal press conference. “It has happened so fast, but I am enjoying it so much. My goal and my dream is to win the Champions League once more. I think that we have the team to do it here.”
Messi’s addition to this specific PSG roster is sort of a dream come true-type situation. He joins an offensive front with Neymar and Mbappe already in place.
Messi’s goal for a fifth Champions League trophy is clearly attainable.
“The squad and coaches here are capable of winning everything, which is my objective,” Messi added. “The team here is incredible. There have been some amazing signings. This will be an unbelievable experience for me. I do not know when I will first be able to play and I might need some preseason conditioning first. I really want to begin the training sessions; I really want it to be quick.”
Heading into August, all signs pointed to Messi re-signing with Barca in La Liga. Last week, however, La Liga essentially made it fiscally difficult to allow the club to re-sign Messi.
More than the individual impact on either club, the biggest potential impact of this move is the ‘commercial impact’ France’s Ligue 1 will receive.
Currently regarded as a financially struggling league, this insertion of one of the sport’s biggest talents will have some major near-term and long-term impacts.
Messi will take No. 30 for PSG, the number he started with when he joined Barca as a youngster.
“My goal and dream is to raise another Champions (League Trophy) and I believe that I am in the right place to have the best chances to achieve that,” Messi wrapped up.
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