Lionel Messi eyes Champions League trophy with PSG

Lionel Messi mentioned he’s “in the right place” to win one other Champions League trophy and cited a reunion with Neymar as a key think about his resolution to signal with Paris Saint-Germain.
The 34-year-old Argentina star spoke at his introductory information convention at Parc des Princes stadium on Wednesday, the morning after signing a two-year cope with the choice for a 3rd season after leaving Barcelona.
“My goal and dream is to raise another Champion’s (League Trophy) and I believe that I am in the right place to have the best chances to achieve that,” Messi mentioned.
“When you see this squad, you really want to play with them because there are so many possibilities,” he added. “We have the same goal. And Neymar of course did a lot and was important for my choice.”
Qatari-backed PSG has been determined to win the Champions League, falling simply brief when it misplaced the 2020 closing to Bayern Munich. Messi helped Barcelona win 4 Champions League trophies.
Messi’s arrival provides PSG formidable attacking choices as he hyperlinks up with not solely Neymar — his former teammate at Barcelona — but in addition France World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe.
“I’m going to play with best players, it’s very nice, it’s incredible to be able to experience this,” mentioned Messi, who additionally cited Argentina teammates and PSG gamers Ángel di Maria and Leandro Paredes.
“Obviously, one of the reasons (I came) was the locker room: Neymar, Dí María, Paredes, whom I know.”
Messi mentioned he’s “ready” to begin taking part in with PSG, which hosts Strasbourg on Saturday night time.
“When I feel it, when the staff thinks I’m ok, I’ll be ready. I’m willing to play,” he mentioned.
Messi turned probably the most high-profile free agent in soccer historical past after his makes an attempt to remain at Barcelona have been rejected final week by the Spanish league as a result of the wage wouldn’t adjust to monetary laws, with the Catalan membership burdened by money owed of greater than 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion).
PSG moved shortly to signal the Argentina star. The workforce, Messi mentioned, “positioned themselves and everything went really fast and it was easy. It happened in little time. It was a difficult situation and they were efficient.”
PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino shortly made contact along with his fellow Argentine after Barcelona introduced final Thursday that Messi could be leaving the membership he joined as a 13-year-old boy.
Messi gained each main honor with Barcelona and was granted a tearful exit information convention on Sunday to sign the tip of an period. Only Cristiano Ronaldo within the present period challenges Messi’s standing as an all-time nice.
While PSG needed to pay 222 million euros (then $261 million) to signal Neymar from Barcelona in 2017, there was no switch payment for Messi.
No wage particulars got, however an individual with data of the negotiations earlier advised The Associated Press that Messi is about to earn round 35 million euros ($41 million) internet yearly. The particular person mentioned on situation of anonymity earlier than the contract was signed.
PSG will probably be hoping not solely that Messi helps the workforce regain the French title it misplaced to Lille final season however lastly win the Champions League.
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi praised “a historic day for the club, football world and it is a fantastic moment for us.”
“Everybody knows Leo… He makes the football magic, beautiful and he’s a winner. It will be very exciting for our supporters and the fans worldwide,” he added. ”We have huge ambition.”
Messi mentioned it was “very hard” to depart Barcelona after so a few years however added “the moment I arrived here I felt very happy.”
PSG supporters have seen their membership remodeled over the past decade because the inflow of Qatari sovereign wealth funding linked to the emir. Once Messi’s Barcelona contract expired — and the Catalan membership was unable to afford to maintain him — PSG was one of many few golf equipment that might finance a deal to signal the six-time world participant of the 12 months.
Messi will put on the No. 30 jersey — the identical quantity he wore in his first two seasons with Barcelona earlier than switching to No. 19 after which the prized No. 10, which Neymar will get to maintain at PSG.