A moment fans outside of Barcelona thought would never happen has finally arrived.
Lionel Messi is about to join Paris Saint Germain. After the shock announcement and an emotional press conference last week, it hasn’t taken long for the Argentine to find a new club.
To the disappointment of fans in England, Messi won’t be plying his trade in the Premier League. Instead he will be showcasing his talents in Paris alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe under Mauricio Pochettino.
According to French sports paper L’Equipe, Messi is due to arrive in Paris in the coming hours. The 34-year-old record goalscorer for both Argentina and Barcelona, is one of the greatest players of all time.
Paris St Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma says he is excited at the prospect of playing alongside Messi next season, after Barcelona announced that the Argentina great’s contract would not be renewed.
Messi bid a tearful farewell to the Spanish club where he has spent his entire career on Sunday, and confirmed that he was in talks with PSG about a possible move.
The 34-year-old would be the biggest capture yet of an eye-catching transfer window where PSG have already signed Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Ramos and Georginio Wijnaldum.
“I am happy if he comes to Paris,” Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament Donnarumma told Sky Italia. “He is the best player in the world, I am excited and happy at the thought of having him in the team.”
Meanwhile, Jack Grealish, who signed a six-year contract with Manchester City said he understood Messi’s emotions.
“Everyone has seen the way Messi was at his final press conference,” said Grealish.
“That is the exact way I felt myself. Actually before I left at the hotel I spoke to the team and the staff and the players and, yeah, you know I teared up a bit myself.”
Pochettino’s side began their bid to reclaim the Ligue 1 title from Lille with a 2-1 win at Troyes on Saturday.