Lionel Messi has officially signed for French club Paris Saint-Germain, bringing his long-term association with FC Barcelona to an end. Messi’s move to Paris brings his historic 20-plus-year run at Barcelona to an end. The Argentine, widely considered one of the best players of all time, failed to sign a new contract with Barcelona. Barcelona said the club’s dire financial situation and La Liga’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations meant it could not give Messi a new contract, despite both parties agreeing.

The French giants said in a statement that the Argentine superstar is signing a two-year deal “with an option of a third year.” Messi arrived in Paris earlier on Tuesday, and the club teased his arrival on their social media channels. They posted a short clip that briefly shows his Argentina shirt and the six Ballon d’Or trophies Messi has won throughout his career. “I am excited to begin a new chapter of my career at Paris Saint-Germain. Everything about the club matches my football ambitions,” Messi said in the statement. “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.”

Getty Images/ Xinhua News Agency/ Xinhua News Agency

PSG chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi said in the statement: “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.”