Lionel Messi Signs Two-Year Deal With Paris St.-Germain (UPDATE)
Lionel Messi was unnable to come to terms on a new contract with FC Barcelona, which means he'll play on a new squad for the first time in his career.
UPDATED 8/10, 10:55 a.m. ET: Lionel Messi has agreed to a two-year deal with Paris St.-Germain, the New York Timesreports. The deal includes an option for a third year, and will see the Argentine native earn over $40 million a year. Per NYT, his signing was confirmed by a team official, as well as by a video posted on the team’s Twitter account teasing Messi’s arrival.
On Tuesday, video emerged showing Messi in Paris, ahead of the team’s official announcement and press conference, which is expected to unfold on Wednesday.
See original story below.
Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona weren’t able to solidify a new contract, which means the star forward won’t re-sign with the club, according to an official statement.
The statement cites “financial and structural obstacles” as the reasons why it didn’t work out.
“As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled,” the announcement adds. “FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandizement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.”
Spanish newspaper MARCA previously wrote that Messi is “further from renewing for Barcelona than ever” before, and according to Catalan radio station RAC1, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner “does not like the current squad.”
Messi ends his career with the club as the most decorated player in its history. And franky, it’s not close.
