Signing Messi from Barcelona 'was a surprise' admits PSG's Leonardo
Cameron Smith
- 10 Oct 2021 13:31 BST
- 3 min read
Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has revealed that signing Lionel Messi from Barcelona "was a surprise for everyone."
Following Barcelona's well-known financial issues, the club simply couldn't afford Messi's wages, even if he played for free, and the Argentine superstar began looking for a new club, despite his desire to stay at Barcelona.
Manchester City were rumoured to be heavily interested, but their signing of Jack Grealish halted any potential plans.
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Neymar no doubt played a role in Messi eventually choosing to join PSG, but nonetheless, Leonardo was still surprised that the six-time Ballon d'Or decided to join the Parisian club.
What has Leonardo said?
He has said: "Messi was convinced to stay at Barca. We opened official talks once Bara announced that Messi would be leaving and it was great because it was a surprise for everyone. Messi with Mbappe and Neymar is something great. I love it!"
PSG are currently top of Ligue 1, having won all but one game, a 2-0 defeat to Rennes. They also lead their Champions League group with one win and one draw from their opening two games.
Messi hasn't started life in France in superb fashion, and he's yet to score a league goal for his new club. He's failed to register an assist either, but he did score against Manchester City in PSG's Champions League win.
Barcelona, on the other hand, have noticeably missed Messi's quality. He scored 30 goals and assisted nine in La Liga last season, and this goal threat hasn't been replaced, despite Memphis Depay's best efforts.
The Blaugrana are down in ninth in the Spanish top tier having won three, drawn three and lost one. They have also lost both their opening two Champions League group stage games.
Barcelona are clearly missing Messi, while PSG are simply happy he chose to join them over the likes of Man City.
