Lionel Messi, considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, was traded to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on August 10, 2021. The news of Messi’s departure from Barcelona, where he had spent his entire professional career, sent shockwaves throughout the football world. The question on everyone’s mind was why did Messi leave Barcelona and why did he choose PSG as his destination?
To understand why Messi was traded to PSG, we need to take a closer look at the circumstances leading up to his departure from Barcelona. Messi’s contract with Barcelona expired in June 2021, and negotiations for a renewal had been ongoing for months. However, the club’s financial situation made it difficult for them to offer Messi a new contract that would match his previous earnings. Barcelona was grappling with a debt of over 1.2 billion euros, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and mismanagement by previous boards.
As a result, Messi became a free agent, and several top clubs were vying for his signature. However, it was PSG that emerged as the frontrunners to sign the Argentine superstar. There were several reasons why PSG was a suitable destination for Messi.
Firstly, PSG is backed by Qatar Sports Investments, a state-owned investment company. This has allowed PSG to spend heavily on players and build a squad capable of challenging for the Champions League. PSG has been pursuing the Champions League trophy for years and sees Messi as the final piece of the puzzle in their quest for European glory.
Secondly, PSG has a strong Argentine connection, with former national team teammate and friend of Messi, Mauricio Pochettino, as the club’s coach. Pochettino played a key role in convincing Messi to join PSG and offered him a chance to play alongside international teammates Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes.
Lastly, PSG was able to offer Messi a lucrative contract that Barcelona could not match. The French club reportedly offered Messi a two-year deal worth around 35 million euros per year, with the option of a third year.
Messi’s departure from Barcelona and subsequent transfer to PSG has caused mixed reactions among football fans worldwide. Some have criticized the move, arguing that Messi should have stayed at Barcelona, the club where he had spent his entire career and won numerous titles. Others have praised the move, saying that Messi deserves to be part of a team that can offer him the chance to win the Champions League once again.
In conclusion, Messi’s transfer to PSG was a result of several factors, including Barcelona’s financial situation, PSG’s pursuit of the Champions League, and the French club’s financial muscle. While it remains to be seen how Messi will perform in PSG’s colors, his arrival has undoubtedly made them one of the favorites to lift the Champions League trophy come May 2022.
