Lionel Messi's Barcelona exit is finally dawning on the footballing world, with the Argentine icon having agreed a deal with French giants PSG. It was only a few days ago when the six-time Ballon d'Or winner bid an emotional and tearful goodbye to the Blaugrana in a Camp Nou press conference, but the attacker is now already on his way to Paris to join his new club.
The Ligue 1 heavyweights were always the favorites. Immediately after Barcelona dropped their bombshell announcement, Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Leo, was already in talks with Nasser A-Khelaifi. Discussions were ongoing until Tuesday when everything was completed, with Jorge confirming to La Sexta that the 34-year-old was headed to Paris to sign the deal ahead of Wednesday's unveiling.
Once this news was reported, things blew up across social media, with fans, players, and several news outlet quickly hopping on this topic. Images and videos of Messi and his family heading to the airport began doing the rounds, confirming that it's merely a matter of time before La Pulga dons the PSG jersey.
'With everything, towards a new adventure together'.
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) August 10, 2021
Leo Messi is Paris bound pic.twitter.com/o8b9d0jgw5
Leo Messi and his family have departed Barcelona. #beINLiga #Messi pic.twitter.com/r5X8CQxhM2
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) August 10, 2021
Over in France, several fans gathered at the airport in advance to welcome the South American icon and were filmed chanting Messi's name. Additionally, speculation emerged that the Eiffel Tower would be decorated in the Argentine flag as a welcoming to the 2021 Copa America winner.
Leo Messi's presentation at PSG will be at the Parc des Princes, but the Eiffel Tower will be decorated with the Argentine flag and with the words "Merci, Messi."
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) August 10, 2021
— @DiarioOle pic.twitter.com/4mw4jZ7FLZ
The love is real
— Pulse Nigeria (@PulseNigeria247) August 10, 2021
Leo Messi will arrive in Paris this afternoon to go ahead and complete his move to PSG.
pic.twitter.com/CaiVjmdM9C
Speaking of welcoming, Neymar was one of the quickest PSG player to take to social media to react to this news. The Brazilian, a long-time friend of Leo and a former team-mates at Barcelona, rejoiced over their inevitable reunion, posting "Back Together" alongside a clip of the pair hugging in an Instagram story.
Neymar has just announced Leo Messi signing on his Instagram account: "Back together". #Messi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2021
...and Ney has been key to sign his big friend Messi. Calling him, texting him and announcing to his team-mates last weekend that Leo was coming. Now it's done and completed. pic.twitter.com/hGquyN4ihe
The 34-year is set to sign a two-year deal in the capital, with an option for an additional year. An official announcement was released shortly after the player touched down in France.
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 10, 2021
Lionel Messi est arrivé à Paris avec un T-Shirt "Ici c'est Paris".
— la chaine L'Équipe (@lachainelequipe) August 10, 2021
Suivez le direct : https://t.co/aj6u8PknT4 pic.twitter.com/ELcvDFqGD5