This week after leaving Barcelona, Lionel Messi has completed his stunning free football transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. On Wednesday the six-time Ballon d’Or winner spoke to media after the agreement was confirmed on Tuesday. Messi went on the field for PSG training on Thursday at Ooredoo Center.
He was then able to connect with his new and old, teammates and friends on Thursday. A short video clip was uploaded on PSG’s Instagram story showing the Argentine going through running drills. Club’s press office reports PSG new signee Messi has taken part in his first training session at Camp des Loges. The 34-year-old wanted to debut on Sunday against Strasbourg but Les Parisiens’ staff decided that he needs some time to prepare.
Leo failed to sign the renewal with Barcelona last week “due to financial obstacles”. He later accepted PSG’s offer of a two-year deal with an option to continue. According to Le Parisien, the Argentine is set to earn over 120 million euros in just two years. He agreed on a two-year contract worth €41m per year and also received a signing bonus of around 40 million.
Moreover, he will receive extra money for winning either the Champions League or another Ballon d’Or. Lionel Messi surpassed Neymar with a salary of 36 million euros per year and Kylian Mbappe whose wages are estimated to be around €25m, becoming the highest-paid player at the Parisian club. If the striker uses the option to extend his contract by a year he could earn 163 million euros.
A source close to the matter says Lionel Messi will be paid in cryptocurrency fan tokens, according to The Telegraph. The club didn’t state what percentage of the deal includes the tokens but said he had received a “large number”. On top of that, the source claims that the fans could also receive tokens as it is a type of cryptocurrency that gives the holders access to certain benefits like voting on club decisions and rewards. PSG is not the only club with crypto. Manchester City and AC Milan launched their tokens as well.
