Transfer News: Messi Officially Reunites With Neymar, Move To PSG Now Finalized

Lionel Messi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain is now formal. The Argentine arrived in Paris on Tuesday, something that formally closes his chapter with FC Barcelona.

Messi was welcomed by PSG fans at the Le Bourget Airport. The six-time Ballons d’Or winner wore a t-shirt that read: “Ici c’est Paris” or “Here is Paris.”

After failing to come to terms with a new deal with Barca, Messi had no choice but to find a new home. Given his hefty salary, only a few teams could afford the services of the 34-year-old player.

Messi reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with an option for another season according to an anonymous source. The Argentinian is reportedly set to earn an annual pay of $34 million.

Messi’s move to PSG was also confirmed by his father, Jorge, during a brief exchange with reporters at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport on Tuesday. It was also there where Messi was seen boarding a private jet along with his wife and three kids.

His arrival also means that he will be reunited with former Barca teammate, Neymar. Along with Kylian Mbappe, the trio will give PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino formidable attacking options.

If Pochettino uses a 4-3-3 formation, the front three could see Messi deployed on the right with Neymar on the left and Mbappe between them as the center forward. The 34-year-old is due to undergo medical on Tuesday.

The contract of Messi with Barcelona expired last June 30. The Argentine said in a news conference that he wanted to stay in Barca and even agreed to a 50% pay cut. Unfortunately, Blaugrana had limited options and had no room to maneuver since they were unable to offload players in time to reduce their wage bill.

Messi's proposed five-year deal at Barcelona meant the club's wage bill stood at 110% of their revenue, ESPN reported.

The Argentine forward also admitted that he got calls from other clubs after word got out that his time at Camp Nou was coming to a close. But in the end, it was the efforts of Pochettino that stood out after the 49-year-old quickly reached out to Messi after he learned the footballer was leaving FC Barcelona.