ICYMI: Newly signed Paris Saint-Germain soccer star Lionel Messi was presented to fans along with his new jersey at the club's stadium https://t.co/Zh8KmlGch0 pic.twitter.com/Vc3UfovmDo
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Paris Saint-Germain's Plan For Barcelona Legend Lionel Messi Revealed Ahead Of Strasbourg Clash
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Lionel Messi will reportedly be invited onto the Parc des Princes pitch and presented to the Paris Saint-Germain fans at half-time in his side's clash with Strasbourg.
The 34-year-old Argentine superstar left Barcelona this summer and completed a sensational free transfer to PSG.
Messi, who became a free agent in July, received a spine-tingling reception from fans when he arrived in the French capital on Tuesday ahead of his medical.
The Argentina captain was officially announced as a PSG player earlier this week, with a huge number of fans turning up at the Parc des Princes to welcome Messi after his official unveiling.
Messi has been training with PSG this week alongside new teammates Sergio Ramos, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria.
However, Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that the Barcelona legend will not make his debut against Strasbourg in PSG's first home match of the season on Saturday.
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"As for when we might see Leo Messi, it is his second day of training after a month since he played the last game at the Copa America," he said in his press conference.
"We will take it step by step, get to know each other and have him feel fit and comfortable so that he is able to make his debut when he is fully fit."
Messi hasn't played a competitive match since Argentina's triumphant victory over Brazil in the Copa America final in July.
The PSG new boy will have to wait before making his official debut for the Ligue 1 side, but he is expected to be at the Parc des Princes for the Strasbourg match.
According to Sport, Messi and PSG's other new signings will be presented to the Parc des Princes faithful at half-time for what will be a huge ovation.
The Spanish newspaper added that Real Madrid legend Ramos will be invited onto the pitch alongside former rival Messi.
Ramos, who left Los Blancos in the summer, is expected to make his debut for PSG in September after he has recovered from a calf injury.
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Paris Saint-Germain, Football, Ligue 1, Lionel Messi, FranceADVERT
Paris Saint-Germain Sold More Than 150,000 Lionel Messi Shirts In Seven Minutes, The Numbers Are Staggering
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If you somehow managed to grab yourself a Paris Saint-Germain shirt with the name 'Messi' plastered on its back this week, then fair play. You are definitely quick off the mark.
Why, you ask? Well, it has emerged that the French club sold more than 150,000 Lionel Messi shirts in the space of seven minutes, according to Spanish outlet AS.
And with the cheapest men’s shirt with Messi on the back being priced up at €158, it is believed shirt sales alone brought in an estimated €23.7million of online sales.
That being said, with the discount of women's and children's sizes being considered, the amount will likely be lower but still. That's a serious amount of money in such a short space of time.
It certainly makes his two-year contract with a net salary of €25 million-a-year look worthwhile, although the shirt sales won't go directly into PSG's pockets.
The Ligue 1 side signed an agreement with Nike until 2032 that means the club receive €80 million upfront each year rather than a percentage cut of final sales.
AS also report that Barcelona have lost multiple sources of income with the departure of their star player, with shirt sales being a big factor.
In fact, according to Brand Finance, Messi's departure could end up costing the Blaugrana €137 million in brand value.
They estimate a loss of €17 million on matchdays, as well as a whopping €43 million when it comes to lost merchandise sales - not to mention commercial and sponsorship opportunities, with the club potentially looking at losing €77 million in business revenue.
"Messi is synonymous with the Barcelona brand and has been the club's talisman since bursting onto the scene 15 years ago," Hugo Hensley, Head of Sports Services at Brand Finance, said.
"His presence at the club has no doubt allowed it to attract additional fans, better players, managers, commercial deals, and win silverware. His departure can cost the club as much and result in a painful brand value decrease."
Featured Image Credit: PA
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