Lionel Messi became a free agent on July 1, although he was anticipated to re-sign with FC Barcelona. However, on Thursday (August 5) Barcelona confirmed that they will not sign Messi due to financial regulations by La Liga. Just five days after the announcement, French club PSG have signed Lionel Messi for a two-year deal with an option for a third year. PSG have become an immediate favorite to win the Champions League next season after acquiring Messi on a free transfer. Here we will discus Lionel Messi's illustrious football career and how he can guide PSG to Champions League crown.
Details of Lionel Messi's PSG contract
Europe's big teams began contacting Messi's management in an attempt to sign him following the announcement that Lionel Messi will not sign a new contract with Barca. However, only PSG had the available funds and ambition to recruit the former Barcelona forward.
Read Lionel Messi signs 2-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain
Lionel Messi's father Jorge Messi immediately contacted the Paris Saint-Germain hierarchy to secure the deal as early as possible. The contract talks moved quickly, and Lionel Messi and his family landed in Paris on Tuesday (August 10) to finalize the paperwork.
After completing his medicals, Lionel Messi formally signed a contract with Paris Saint-Germain in the presence of President Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sports director Leonardo.The 34-year-old reportedly agreed to a two-year contract that includes a base salary of €25 million after taxes, with an extra €10 million in bonuses.According to sources, the Argentine will also get a €25 million signing bonus, as well as a third-year option on the same financial conditions.
Read Lionel Messi is Leaving Barcelona Despite Wanting to Stay
The Role Lionel Messi will Play at PSG
Lionel Messi refused to take Neymar's number 10 jersey. Instead, he's opted for the number 30 jersey. Messi began his professional career with Barcelona with this jersey number and he wants to start fresh at PSG with this concept.
Messi's primary responsibility at PSG would be to build lethal attacking combinations with Neymar and Mbappe. He could play as a false 9 on the right wing or in the center. Messi may drop into the middle if necessary to create a holistic attack on the opposition defense.
Read Lionel Messi Contract: PSG Set to Sign Former Barcelona Forward
Messi's football knowledge and experience will be crucial in reviving the squad. The Paris Saint-Germain side would be much more balanced and positive with the inclusion of two veteran former La Liga players Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi.
Ramos and Messi have both won the Champions League four times and know what it takes to win Europe's most coveted club competition. Their presence will be vital, particularly in the knockout stages. That's why Lionel Messi may lead PSG to their first Champions League title.
Aside from Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos, PSG have also signed Georginio Wijnaldum, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Achraf Hakimi during the summer transfer window 2021.
Read Messi breaks down, says he wasn’t ready to leave Barcelona
At a Glance: Lionel Messi's Remarkable Football Career
Lionel Messi has a long list of achievements to his name, both with his club and for his country. His major success, though, has come at the club level.
Lionel Messi made his professional debut for Barcelona against Porto at the Camp Nou stadium on November 16, 2003. Messi won 35 titles and 672 goals in 778 games during his 17 years at FC Barcelona.
Read PSG explores Messi signing; Pochettino in contact
With Barcelona, Lionel Messi won 10 La Liga trophies, four Champions Leagues, seven Copa Del Rays, eight Supercopa de Espana, three UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups. Lionel Messi has also won a record-breaking six Ballon d'Or awards.
Lionel Messi broke several club, La Liga, European, and world records during his stint at FC Barcelona. From a teenage star at Barcelona, he has grown into one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Lionel Messi has only won one major trophy with Argentina's national team. He won the Copa America 2021 trophy in Brazil. However, Messi has appeared in four Copa America finals as well as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil. At age level tournament, Messi won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005 and the gold medal at the Summer Olympics 2008 in Beijing.
Read End of an era: Barcelona says Messi won’t stay with the club
Lionel Messi is expected to play at the highest level for at least two more seasons. We can anticipate him to break more records and dazzle football fans in the coming years.
Verdict
Ligue 1 club PSG are currently the strong favourite to win the 2021/2022 Champions League trophy following their marquee signings during the summer transfer window. Also, Lionel Messi's incredible career achievements indicate that he is a true winner who can really help PSG go to the next level.
Veterans Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi will provide stability to the team. Their experience will be crucial if Paris Saint-Germain are to win the Champions League for the first time. It would be difficult for other teams to stop PSG if they can maintain consistency in the knockout stage of the tournament.