A superstar arrives: Fans welcome Lionel Messi to PSG

Lionel Messi signed an official deal with the Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night to complete the move that confirms the end of a career-long association with Barcelona. This signing sends the Ligue 1 giants into a new era.

The French club said in a statement that the 34-year-old Argentina star signed a two-year deal with the option for a third season.

“I am excited to begin a new chapter of my career at Paris Saint-Germain. Everything about the club matches my football ambitions. I know how talented the squad and the coaching staff are here. I am determined to help build something special for the club and the fans, and I am looking forward to stepping out onto the pitch at the Parc des Princes,” Messi said after signing the contract.

Soon after the signing, other footballing stars and fans alike took to social media and welcomed Messi to Paris.

While it is reported that Messi is set to earn around 35 million euros ($41 million) net annually, no further salary details were givem

“I am delighted that Lionel Messi has chosen to join Paris Saint-Germain and we are proud to welcome him and his family to Paris. He has made no secret of his desire to continue competing at the very highest level and winning trophies, and naturally our ambition as a club is to do the same,” PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said.

For PSG, Messi will wear the No. 30 jersey — the same number he wore in his first two seasons with Barcelona before switching to No. 19 and then the prized No. 10.

Throngs of PSG fans gathered at Le Bourget Airport in Paris to welcome Messi, who was wearing a T-shirt featuring “Ici c’est Paris” — “This is Paris.”

Earlier, Neymar, in an Instagram post, welcomed Messi and captioned his story “back together.” Neymar spent four years with Messi at Camp Nou before signing for PSG.

At Barcelona, the duo won two La Liga, one Champions League and also fired Barcelona to a treble win.