"Annual 47.2 Billion KRW · Up to 3-Year Contract"… Messi Officially Joins Paris Saint-Germain

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Lionel Messi has officially joined the French professional football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

On the 10th (local time), local media reported, "Messi officially joined after signing the final contract."

Messi's salary has not been disclosed, but according to sources familiar with the matter, Messi is expected to receive 35 million euros annually (approximately 47.2 billion KRW).

Messi said, "I am now starting a new chapter in my career," adding, "Everything about this club aligns with my football ambitions."

With this, Messi has become teammates with PSG's star players such as Kylian Mbapp?, Neymar J?nior, and Sergio Ramos.

Neymar, who previously played with Messi at FC Barcelona, posted a video on Instagram showing him hugging Messi with the caption "Together again."

[Image source=Captured from Neymar's Instagram]

PSG announced Messi's signing through their official Twitter account with a tweet calling him "the new pearl of Paris."

On the 10th (local time), Lionel Messi arrived at Le Bourget Airport in Paris, France, and is seen exiting the arrival hall with his family. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Earlier that day, Messi arrived in Paris via Le Bourget Airport on a private plane with his wife and three children.

Numerous fans camped out at the airport to welcome Messi's arrival in Paris, and Messi waved to fans wearing a white T-shirt with the PSG slogan "Ici c’est Paris" ("This is Paris").

Messi then underwent the club's medical tests, successfully passed, and signed the contract.

On the 10th (local time), numerous fans gathered at Le Bourget Airport in Paris, France, to welcome Lionel Messi's arrival in Paris. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Earlier, French media reported that Messi would sign a two-year contract with PSG, with an option to extend for one more year.

Messi, whose contract with Spanish professional football club FC Barcelona expired last June, had been negotiating a renewal with the club.

However, FC Barcelona, whose income drastically decreased after COVID-19, was unable to afford Messi's high salary due to financial regulations in the Spanish professional football La Liga, and ultimately the renewal failed.