Lionel Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain contract contains a special clause that makes Argentina his “priority”.
After it was announced he would leaving Barcelona following 21 glorious years of association, PSG have moved swiftly to secure Messi’s services.
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| Image: PA |
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s deal with PSG will keep him in the French capital until 2023 – though he has the option of an extra year.
Multiple reports state that Messi will earn a whopping €35 million-a-year after tax – that works out at €2.91 million a month and €729,000-per-week.
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Argentine outlet TyC Sports have also revealed further details regarding Messi’s contract. They say that Messi’s priority when it comes to official games and friendly matches will be the Argentina national team.
Basically, after finally winning an international trophy when he lifted the Copa America in the summer, Messi is massively committed to the national team and eager to be heavily involved going into the World Cup in Qatar next year.
Thus, PSG will not be able to hold him back from representing his country when he is selected.
Lionel Messi has a clause in his PSG contract that states that the Argentina national team would be his priority when it comes to playing official matches and friendly games.
In addition, the Argentina staff would have access to PSG’s facilities. This via TyC Sports.
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What’s more, it’s been agreed that Argentina staff will have access to PSG’s facilities. Messi becomes the fourth Argentine in the Parisians’ squad, joining compatriots Angel Di Maria, Leandro Paredes and Mauro Icardi.
Messi was reportedly offered the No.10 shirt by his close friend and former and future teammate Neymar, but respectfully turned it down.
Instead, he has returned to the No.30 shirt he wore on his debut for Barca.
Interestingly, Ligue One rules stipulate that 30 must be wore by a goalkeeper but league chiefs have made an exception for Messi.
For similar reasons involving specific squad numbers, Barca are unable to retire the No.10 shirt at the Nou Camp unless they give up a permanent space in their squad due to La Liga regulations.
The 34-year-old could make his debut for the club against Strasbourg on Saturday.