Status: 08/10/2021 12:33 p.m.
Lionel Messi is moving from FC Barcelona to Paris St. Germain after consistent media reports.
PSG fans had been gathering at Le Bourget Airport since Sunday afternoon to witness the arrival of the Argentine superstar live. Alone: The 34-year-old did not come. According to the AFP news agency, he should make up for that on Tuesday (08/10/21) a little late.
After 21 years in Catalonia, the 34-year-old will now lace up his shoes for another major international club. A two-year contract is under discussion. The financially troubled Barcelona was apparently no longer in a position to pay Messi’s million dollar salary – although Messi’s side was reportedly ready for a 50 percent wage cut. So the contract was not extended and Messi was since July 1st. without a club.
PSG are arming themselves powerfully
Paris is apparently in a better position than Barcelona. The millions from Qatar continue to flow and club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi seems to be able to use the competitive advantage over the competition. Sergio Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Georginio Wijnaldum were already announced as PSG newcomers before Messi.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether the star’s departure will be a blessing or a curse for FC Barcelona. On the one hand, Messi was still the player who could make the difference in close matches in recent years. On the other hand, he obviously blocked the development of some teammates from time to time, precisely because he played so dominantly.
Aguero injured for a long time
Who will follow in Messi’s footsteps at FC Barcelona is still completely open. In FCB’s first test match after Messi, Access Memphis Depay scored a goal after assisting 18-year-old Yusuf Demir. The young man was placed in the Messi position by coach Ronald Koeman and is considered a great talent. But is that enough?
Sergio Agüero will not be able to fill this gap for the time being. As the club announced on Monday, the 33-year-old Argentine suffered a tendon injury in his right calf and is expected to be out for ten weeks. Agüero joined the Catalans on a free transfer from English champions Manchester City at the end of May.
Messi moves to Paris – French media unanimously announce the signing of a contract
Stefanie Markert, ARD Paris, August 10, 2021 1:58 p.m.