Lionel Messi joins Paris Saint-Germain Club

Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who left Barcelona after 21 years last week, has signed a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain. "I am excited to begin a new chapter of my career at Paris Saint-Germain," he said in a statement on the club's website. He also has the option of a third year. PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi was thrilled to have Messi on board: "I am delighted that Lionel Messi has chosen to join Paris St-Germain and we are proud to welcome him to Paris, with his family."

A new in Paris!

PSGxMESSI pic.twitter.com/scrp1su9a6

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 10, 2021

Messi becomes PSG's fourth free-transfer this summer after Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy, Georginio Wijnaldum of the Netherlands and Sergio Ramos. Messi will join Brazil's Neymar and French striker Kylian Mbappe to form a formidable forward attack for the club.

PSG's move for Messi had been an open secret for days, although reports in Spain on Monday night talked of a "final offer" by Barcelona to try to keep the player. Instead, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner will join a PSG attack already featuring Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.