The “Messi” shouts of hundreds of euphoric PSG fans rang out just a few hours after the superstar’s tearful farewell to FC Barcelona at Le Bourget airport. The welcome party near the French capital was prepared – but Lionel Messi did not come. While football Paris is already going crazy, the 34-year-old is a long time coming.
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The crowded fans kept their cell phones ready for free on Sunday evening, nobody wanted to miss the big moment. This did not happen at first – but in Paris one is certain. “Messi is not yet a PSG player, but it seems to be only a matter of hours,” wrote “L’Equipe” on Monday. And “Le Parisien” put the supporters of the top French club off: “Paris fans can rest assured that the Argentine is waiting for the final details of his contract with the capital city club to be worked out before setting off for France.”
The day before, the Barca icon had reacted cautiously. PSG is an option, said Messi: “But nothing is signed”. PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino also did not want to look into his cards on Saturday. Everyone wants “the best players in the world on their team,” he said after the season opener at ES Troyes AC. And Messi is one of them. Some opponents are already looking forward to the exceptional player. Because even though he’s not even there, Messi was already a big topic at the start of the season at the weekend.
“It would be great for Ligue 1, he is the best player in the world,” said Jorge Sampaoli, coach of Olympique Marseille on Sunday: “Everyone would be fascinated by the French championship.” Playing against the six-time world footballer was “an additional one Motivation”.
Messi is quietly saying goodbye to Barcelona.
In Paris, Messi is to receive a two-year contract and would join other stars like Neymar or the Italian European champion Marco Verratti. The two had already told him “for fun”, “I should go to Paris”, Messi replied on Sunday when asked about the much discussed holiday photo with the PSG professionals.
Hundreds of fans were waiting for Lionel Messi in front of the Camp Nou.
“/>Hundreds of fans were waiting for Lionel Messi in front of the Camp Nou. | Photo: isopix
He wanted to stay with his heart club this year of all times after his change efforts last season. However, according to Barca, “economic and structural obstacles” had prevented the exceptional player from wearing the Catalans jersey. This apparently does not exist in Paris, because unlike Barca, PSG are economically more than well positioned. Until recently, he and Barcelona had “tried everything,” said Messi, who won 35 titles with the club and scored 672 goals in his 778 competitive games had achieved. Messi was particularly painful when he said goodbye to the fans. Because without hearing “how they scream my name” again at Camp Nou, he had to leave Barcelona in the corona pandemic. The “Messi” choirs have been echoing through Paris since Sunday. (sid / tf)
