Leo Messi's sad tears in Barcelona turned into a shy smile of Parisian happiness as he was presented as the biggest acquisition in the history of PSG.
With new fans who have been in ecstasy for several days, a fat salary at the bank, the most competitive team built in the French capital and with quite a few close friends in the locker room - what wonder that Messi has so many reasons to smile?
More than the Argentine and his father, who smiled especially was the president of the PSG, Nasser al-Khalafi.
Exactly a decade ago, Qatar acquired the French club, although as al-Khalifi himself noted, the acquisition raised doubts.
With Messi by his side as if he were a "trophy" equivalent to the one awarded at the end of the Champions League, al-Khalafi only dreams of the trophy with the long ears, and already yesterday he sent a message to Killian Ambape to stay.
Photo: AFP,
"This is a historic day for world football. Messi is a unique player who has won six gold balls, he is the best player in the world. He makes football magic," said the Qatari.
Accompanied by his wife, father (and agent) and of course his three children, Messi yesterday finished the part he least loves in football: press conferences and interviews, and even attending a panel of the club’s TV channel on the lawn.
"I'm very happy, leaving Barça was difficult because I was there for many years and it's hard to make a change, but I'm happy. After all, I want it all over to start training," he concluded yesterday between the few other words he managed to get out of it.
Photo: AP,
Friends are already waiting
Messi revealed that PSG called immediately after Barça's dramatic announcement came out, announcing that despite its desire to continue the relationship and agreement it had reached, it could not implement it in the face of the league's financial regulations.
The Argentine admitted that the presence of Neymar, Di Maria and Pardes in Paris was important.
"I have a lot of friends in the locker room, and when you see the staff you get excited. My goal and dream is to win champions again, and I think I came to the ideal place to achieve that."
Messi and al-Khalafi.
Get used to it, Photo: AFP
Asked if he has a message for the many fans of the club where he was from the age of 13, who are in pain in front of his pictures displayed in Paris, he replied: "Before I left I told them I will always be grateful for their support. It is my home since I was a child. For a strong and competitive team to win the Champions League. "
Many fans in the world, of course except for those of Barça, would like to see a game between the two teams this year.
The "flea" admitted: "On the one hand it could be nice to return to Barcelona and I wish even in front of many fans in the stands, if possible. On the other hand, it would be very strange to return to play at my house in a different shirt."
The only question that upset the Qatari president was when asked about the financial fair play, which in fact does not exist in them and was a significant part of the reasons for Messi's departure from Camp Nou and the Spanish league.
"We respect the rules of fair play from day one. Before every step the legal and economic team checks everything. We had the ability to acquire Messi and we will always act according to the rules," the owner concluded.
Messi is amazing news for PSG, the French league and Paris.
It is too early to know whether the signing will lead to tourist growth (probably in Corona times), but in the meantime and although he has not yet kicked a single ball, Messi has made a huge purchase of shirts with the number 30 on the back.
Get used to it.
Photo: AP,
Photo: AFP,
Photo: AFP,