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Lionel Messi 'Seriously Considered' Shock Reunion With Luis Suarez At Atletico Madrid
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Lionel Messi was reportedly seriously tempted by a late offer from Atletico Madrid before he put pen to paper with Paris Saint-Germain.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner travelled to Paris on Tuesday to complete the move, which was then officially confirmed in the evening.
As soon as the 34-year-old announced he would be leaving Barcelona after 21 years, PSG moved swiftly and were able to come to an agreement in a matter of days.
Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the signing of Leo Messi on a two-year contract with an option of a third year.https://t.co/D5Qjq7PJfF#PSGxMESSI :heart::blue_heart: pic.twitter.com/msJAnW01V5
- Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 10, 2021
It seemed like they were the only side in the race for Messi, however reports say he did have the option to remain in La Liga.
According to Movistar, Atletico made a last-gap offer to Messi and his compatriot Diego Simeone - a huge admirer of Messi's - even got in touch to try and persuade him.
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As per journalist Ignacio Miguelez, Messi was "tempted" by the proposal to continue his career and Spain. A switch to the Wanda Metropolitano would have seen him reunite with close friend Luis Suarez once again.
They won 13 trophies in a stunning six-year stint that began when Suarez joined from Liverpool for £75 million in 2013.
But despite mulling over the offer, Messi ultimately opted to link up with another member of the deadly 'MSN' trident - his former colleague Neymar.
The Brazilian has been very vocal about wanting to play with Messi again and was even willing to give up the No.10 at PSG.
However, Messi politely declined the gesture and will instead wear the No.30 shirt that he debuted with at Barcelona back in 2004
:heart: #PSGxMESSI :blue_heart:
https://t.co/gbAxUj8yNo pic.twitter.com/6TsVp8YLip
- Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 10, 2021
The 30 shirt in Ligue One is normally reserved for goalkeepers and was occupied by Alexandre Letellier before league chiefs made an exception for Messi.
Messi has signed a two-year contract with the option of a third and is expected to earn a whopping €35 million-a-year after tax - which works out at €2.91 million a month and €729,000-per-week.
"I am excited to begin a new chapter of my career at Paris Saint-Germain," Messi told the official PSG website.
"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."
Topics: Football, Barcelona, PSG, Lionel Messi
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