LIONEL MESSI has finally been pictured in a Paris Saint-Germain kit with LEAKED footage circulating on social media.
The ex-Barcelona icon is closing in on a blockbuster free transfer to the French giants, with the deal expected to be announced soon.
The latest twist in Tuesday’s mammoth Messi saga have now seen images and video leaked online.
They show Messi, 34, in full PSG kit – and sporting the No 30 shirt – doing kick-ups on the Parc des Princes pitch.
It is not clear where the footage originated, although it is likely someone close to the deal leaked them.
Shortly after the video was leaked, PSG put out their own video of Messi wearing kit and at the stadium.
Messi’s arrival was announced on Tuesday afternoon after a frantic and fascinating day in European football.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner will join on a two-year deal, with the option of a third, that includes a £25MILLION signing-on fee on top of his take-home wages of £650,000 per week.
That totals £92.6m over two years.
PSG confirmed the signing by sharing a teasing video on social media, containing Messi’s Argentina shirt and his six Ballons d’Or trophies.
Passionate PSG supporters arrived at Paris-Le Bourget airport on Tuesday morning to catch a glimpse of the footballing legend.
There were also plenty of fans at the club’s Parc des Princes stadium and on the streets of Paris as Messi appeared in the French capital, wearing a ‘Ici c’est Paris’ – This is Paris – shirt.
The four-time Champions League winner waved to his adoring supporters from a window at the airport.
A later video emerged showing him being convoyed around Paris with a massive police escort that looked more fitting for a president than a footballer.
Timeline: Messi joins PSG
- 10.56am: Barcelona begin to remove a mural of Messi at the Nou Camp ahead of his departure.
- 11.00am: Rumours on social media suggest Messi will fly from Barcelona to Paris on Tuesday to complete a free transfer.
- 11.53am: Messi’s father Jorge reportedly confirms the player will sign for PSG on Tuesday.
- 12.00pm: Dozens of PSG fans arrive at Le Bourget airport in Paris to greet Messi after hearing the news.
- 12.21pm: Messi and his family arrive at El Prat airport in Barcelona to fly to the French capital.
- 12.23pm: PSG fans and the press begin to arrive at the club’s Parc des Princes stadium.
- 1.07pm: Dozens of police officers are spotted at Le Bourget as numbers grow to welcome Messi.
- 1.53pm: Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo shares a photo of the couple on a plane heading to Paris.
- 2.20pm: Brazilian superstar Neymar announces Messi will sign for PSG on Instagram.
- 2.40pm: PSG confirms the signing of Messi.
- 2.57pm: Messi waves to fans at Le Bourget.
- 3.29pm: PSG confirm a press conference will be held on Wednesday, August 11 at 10am.
- 3.32pm: A huge motorcade of police cars and motorbikes escort Messi across Paris
- 8.48pm: Leaked images and video circulates of Messi in a full PSG kit doing kick-ups at the Parc des Princes
Messi and his dad Jorge were seen passing through El Prat airport in Barcelona as they headed to Paris.
Jorge had reportedly confirmed the transfer on Tuesday morning, telling the press: “Leo’s going to sign with PSG today.”
Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo then posted a snap of her alongside her husband on board a jet.
Fans also turned up at Le Bourget airport on Sunday after rumours the player was due to land in France circulated on social media.
But they have finally gotten the chance to say bonjour to Messi and he is expected to be officially unveiled at a press conference on Wednesday at 10am (UK time).
Messi said adios to his adoring Barcelona supporters in an emotional press conference on Sunday.
Speculation of a shock u-turn was quashed when the Spanish giants began removing a mural of their former captain at the Nou Camp.
Cash-strapped Barca released Messi after a salary cap ensured the LaLiga club couldn’t offer him a new deal, despite the player wanting to stay.
BETTING SPECIAL – GET ARSENAL TO BEAT BRENTFORD AT 30/1
Spanish law ensured Messi couldn’t play for free, with new contracts required to be a minimum of 50 per cent of the previous wage.
And another Spanish law will deny Barcelona the chance to retire the player’s famous No10 shirt following his departure.
Earlier this week, Messi gave a farewell press conference in Barcelona.
Fighting back tears, a heartbroken Messi said: “I was convinced to stay here at Barcelona.
“This is my home, our home.
“I wanted to stay at Barca and it was the plan… and today I’ve to say goodbye after my entire life here.”
He added: “My new contract was done. All done. I wanted to stay and when I come back from holidays, it was done.
“Then it’s how [Joan] Laporta explained it. At the last minute, with everything with La Liga, it couldn’t happen.
“I’m really sad because I didn’t want to leave this club. I love Barcelona and I wanted to stay, my contract was ready.
“I did everything in my possibility to stay.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
