‘He makes me hard’ - How the football world reacted to Messi’s PSG move

Robin Bairner

11 Aug 2021 07:57 BST
6 min read

Lionel Messi’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain is the footballing story of the summer, with the Argentine departing Barcelona after more than 20 years.

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PSG have not had to pay anything to Barca for the services of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, instead profiting from Messi’s free agent status to sign one of the game’s greats.

It is a deal that has naturally prompted a massive reaction throughout world football, particularly as PSG had already signed a raft of impressive free agents this summer, including Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Georginio Wijnaldum. Added to that, they captured Achraf Hakimi from Inter for €60 million.

Transfer fees might not have been paid by PSG, but they have instead spent lavishly on wages, with Messi retaining his status as the game’s highest earner, albeit at a dramatically lower level than his previous Barca deal.

So who has said what?

PSG react to Messi move

Lionel Messi: “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.”

President Nasser Al Khelaifi: “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. The addition of Leo to our world class squad continues a very strategic and successful transfer window for the club. Led by our outstanding coach and his staff, I look forward to the team making history together for our fans all around the world.”

Ligue 1 rivals on Messi

I know it’s not polite, but he makes me hard. They say we’re a sh*tty league and there are lots of things that are not good. But if we manage to attract a player like Messi, it’s extraordinary

- Michel Der Zakarian

Brest coach Michel Der Zakarian: “I know it’s not polite, but he makes me hard. They say we’re a sh*tty league and there are lots of things that are not good. But if we manage to attract a player like Messi, it’s extraordinary.”

Nice head coach Christophe Galtier: “I hope we’re back to full stadiums because it will be a very great privilege to see him play and we must take advantage of it.”

Lorient head coach Christophe Pelissier: “I was asked how we’re going to stop him. We play them on 22 December so I’ve got time to think. Not many succeed in stopping his plans!”

Lionel Messi and PSG CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi — © ProShots

European rivals

Former Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: “When I found out about it, it honestly made me a little sad. Barcelona and Messi – that was a successful marriage for 21 years, which has ended in divorce. You can hell how unhappy he is with that happened.

“PSG will not be unbeatable!”

Messi’s former club

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥: Lionel Messi, our former academy player who scored 234 goals for Newell's, joins @PSG_English.

He'll be coached by Mauricio Pochettino, a senior player at Newell's when Messi first joined us in 1994.

Best of luck, Leo!

PS: Don't keep us waiting too long 😉 pic.twitter.com/34063sZ9Oq
— Newell's Old Boys - English (@Newells_en) August 10, 2021

The fans

This could be the last year we see the greatest footballer ever play at the peak of his powers, and now he’s alongside Mbappe & Neymar instead of Braithwaite & Dembele. Watch every match you can, drink every second in. You’ll not see another Lionel Messi in this lifetime

— Chris Dixon (@chrismd10) August 10, 2021

Ronaldinho signed for PSG in 2001, a year later he won the 2002 world cup.

Mbappe signed for PSG in 2017, a year later he won the 2018 world cup.

Now Lionel Messi has signed with PSG with the World Cup being played next year 👀⏳ pic.twitter.com/fH8tqPVGYQ
— B (@EnjoyMessi_) August 10, 2021