The unthinkable has happened: after 17 seasons with FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi has left.
Messi has played with Barcelona ever since he was 13 years old. During these 21 years he has supplied fans with an abundance of amazing goals and many other memorable moments. In 778 games with the club, Messi has accumulated over 650 goals and helped Barca win the La Liga title 10 times. He has also led them to win four Champions League trophies.
Messi planned on leaving in August of last year but ultimately decided he would rather stay another year. FC Barcelona stated that this time around, “league rules” were the reason why they parted ways.
French team PSG (Paris Saint-Germain) is the team that signed the Argentine. He is under a two-year contract with the club and there's an option for a third. This contract is worth $41 million according to some reports. The Athletic states that the player will also receive a $30 million signing bonus. This would put his earnings in excess of $70 million.
Many players were surprised and sad that Messi was leaving. In an interview with Tu Diras, Sergio Aguero, Argentine striker and good friend of Messi’s, stated that he was “in shock” when he heard the news of Messi’s departure.
With dominating wins over Reims, Clermont Foot, and a last-minute win against Lyon, PSG remains at the top of the league. As of September 20, Lionel Messi has played three games with his new club but has yet to score any goals.
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