Messi Joins Paris Saint-Germain... "Annual Salary 47.2 Billion KRW, Up to 3-Year Contract" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=AP 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).

[Image source=Paris Saint-Germain Twitter capture]

Messi said, "I am now about to start 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 Mbappe, Neymar Junior, and Sergio Ramos.

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

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

Earlier that day, Messi arrived at Paris Le Bourget Airport by private jet with his wife and three children. Numerous fans gathered at the airport to welcome Messi's arrival in Paris. Messi waved to fans wearing a white T-shirt with the PSG slogan and the phrase "Ici c’est Paris" (This is Paris).

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

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

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

With Messi officially joining PSG, it is expected that he will form a powerful trio with existing players Neymar and Mbappe.

So far, PSG has never won the UEFA Champions League. Their best record was finishing as runners-up in the 2019-2020 season.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Therefore, PSG plans to aim for their first-ever Champions League title by acquiring Messi.

Messi is set to make his debut in the match against Strasbourg on the 14th.

Previously, after his contract with Spanish professional football club FC Barcelona expired in June, Messi had been negotiating a renewal with the club.

However, due to a significant drop in revenue after COVID-19, FC Barcelona was unable to afford Messi's high salary because of La Liga's financial regulations, and the renewal ultimately fell through.