Lionel Messi transfer LIVE: PSG announce signing after Argentine legend leaves Barcelona

Lionel Messi is finally a Paris Saint-Germain player having penned a two-year deal after his Barcelona contract expired this summer.

The Argentine officially joined PSG on an initial two-year contract on Tuesday evening.

And the 34-year-old is now primed to form one of the most dangerous attacking tridents in European football history alongside Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

And Mauricio Pochettino will hope to select Messi for his debut in the colours of PSG as early as this Saturday.

Messi’s official debut could come in Ligue 1 on 14 August against Strasbourg, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 BST at the Parc des Princes.

Strasbourg have no points after their opening day 2-0 defeat to Angers.

If Messi is not ready to feature on Saturday, then he could be held back until next Friday, 20 August when PSG travel to Brest, with kick-off slated for 20:00 BST.

Lionel Messi has explained that Paris Saint-Germain’s “vision” convinced him to join after departing Barcelona on a free transfer.

The Argentine’s 21-year association with the Catalan club ended after his contract expired this summer.

And the 34-year-old has now penned a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 club to form a third of one of the most dangerous attacking trios in European football history alongside Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

Messi explained that PSG’s “ambition” and his familiarity with the squad, with several international colleagues, convinced him to join Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

Lionel Messi has signed with Paris Saint-Germain after being unable to renew his contract with Barcelona.

Messi, 34, became a free agent on 1 July when his deal with Barcelona expired and had reached an agreement to extend his 21-year stay with the Spanish club.

But with Barcelona unable to sign their captain and record goalscorer to a new contract due to their wage bill exceeding La Liga rules, Messi was forced to leave his boyhood club and sign for a new team for the first time in his professional career.

PSG are yet to officially announce the signing of Messi, but footage has emerged of him holding a ‘Messi 30’ club shirt...

Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel has admitted that Tammy Abraham has, perhaps understandably, been frustrated by his lack of game time under the German.

The striker, 23, scored 12 times and recorded 32 assists in all competitions last season, but was not afforded the same opportunities as Tuchel’s compatriot Timo Werner (12 goals, 15 assists), who joined at the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

“[Abraham] was clearly not happy with the last half a year and he has maybe reason not to be happy,” said Tuchel today.

“Maybe it was my fault not to push him and trust him at the same level as other players. I can understand he wants more minutes, so the decision will be how do we plan?

“What are Tammy’s plans? Does he fight his way back into the team from the position he ended last season? Or does he want to change the club to one where he has a better chance of being a starter?”

Arsenal, West Ham, Roma and other clubs are reportedly interested in the striker.

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PSG’s latest tease of Lionel Messi’s arrival (see below) might have some fans thinking of the numerous occasions on which clubs have spoiled signings with a bit of over-eagerness in updating their online shops...

So far, no option to buy a Messi shirt from the PSG store.

PSG have dropped another teaser around the signing of Lionel Messi.

How much will they make in shirt sales from this transfer?

Messi has successfully completed his medical in Paris, according to Sky Sports.

Still in top shape at 34 years old.

Southampton have confirmed the £15m signing of Adam Armstrong from Blackburn on a four-year contract.

The striker, who replaces Danny Ings, scored 28 goals in 40 Championship appearances last season and had also drawn interest from Norwich and Crystal Palace.

The Saints also confirmed the loan signing of Chelsea starlet Armando Broja earlier today who will provide cover up front.