Lionel Messi to PSG CONFIRMED after superstar jets into Paris, fans flock to airport and Barcelona remove mural
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have announced the signing of Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.
The 34-year-old has flown to Paris to complete the deal with hundreds of fans flocking to the local airport to greet the superstar.
Messi’s arrival was announced on Tuesday afternoon after a frantic and fascinating day in European football.
PSG confirmed the signing by sharing a teasing video on social media, containing Messi’s Argentina shirt and six Ballon d’Or awards.
Passionate PSG supporters arrived at Le Bourget airport on Tuesday morning to catch a glimpse of the footballing legend.
There were also plenty of fans at the club’s Parc des Princes stadium and on the streets of Paris as Messi appeared in the French capital.
The four-time Champions League winner waved to his adoring supporters from a window at Le Bourget airport wearing a Paris top.
Messi’s contract is yet to be formally announced but it’s believed to be a two-year deal with the option of a third.
Messi and his dad Jorge were seen passing through El Prat airport in Barcelona as they headed to Paris.
Jorge had reportedly confirmed the transfer on Tuesday morning, telling the press: “Leo’s going to sign with PSG today.”
Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo then posted a snap of her alongside her husband on board a jet.
Towards a new adventure together.
Lionel Messi's wife Antonela Roccuzzo on Instagram
Timeline: Messi joins PSG
- 10:56am: Barcelona begin to remove a mural of Messi at the Nou Camp ahead of his departure.
- 11:00am: Rumours on social media suggest Messi will fly from Barcelona to Paris on Tuesday to complete a free transfer.
- 11:53am: Messi’s father Jorge reportedly confirms the player will sign for PSG on Tuesday.
- 12:00pm: Dozens of PSG fans arrive at Le Bourget airport in Paris to greet Messi after hearing the news.
- 12:21pm: Messi and his family arrive at El Prat airport in Barcelona to fly to the French capital.
- 12:23pm: PSG fans and the press begin to arrive at the club’s Parc des Princes stadium.
- 1:07pm: Dozens of police officers are spotted at Le Bourget as numbers grow to welcome Messi.
- 1:53pm: Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo shares a photo of the couple on a plane heading to Paris.
- 2:20pm: Brazilian superstar Neymar announces Messi will sign for PSG on Instagram.
- 2:40pm: PSG confirms the signing of Messi.
- 2:57pm: Messi waves to fans at Le Bourget.
Fans also turned up at Le Bourget airport on Sunday after rumours the player was due to land in France circulated on social media.
But they have finally gotten the chance to say bonjour to Messi and he is expected to be unveiled to the press on Wednesday.
Messi said adios to his adoring Barcelona supporters in an emotional press conference on Sunday.
Speculation of a shock u-turn was quashed when the Spanish giants began removing a mural of their former captain at the Nou Camp.
Cash-strapped Barca released Messi after a salary cap ensured the LaLiga club couldn’t offer him a new deal, despite the player wanting to stay.
Spanish law ensured Messi couldn’t play for free, with new contracts required to be a minimum of 50 per cent of the previous wage.
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And another Spanish law will deny Barcelona the chance to retire the player’s famous No10 shirt following his departure.
Messi is expected to earn a whopping £650,000-A-WEEK at PSG, making him the club’s highest earner.
He is also set to wear the No30 shirt in Paris – the number he wore when he made his professional debut against Espanyol in October 2004.
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