Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has arrived in Paris ahead of signing a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
The 34-year-old leaves Barcelona after 21 hugely successful years at the Catalan club, who were unable to re-sign the forward due to "financial and structural obstacles".
Messi left his house in Barcelona this morning before flying over to Le Bourget airport, north of the French capital, where he was greeted by a euphoric crowd of PSG supporters.
The deal is believed to be close to completion, with the Parisian outfit posting a teasing video on Twitter, accompanied by the words "New diamond in Paris".
Messi has agreed to sign a contract worth £25m per year after tax, plus bonuses, and he also has the option to extend his stay by a further year.
The Argentine is set to reunite with former Barca teammate Neymar, who has long spoken of his desire to play alongside Messi once again.
Oliver Thomas
