All eyes on Messi

An exciting season beckons football fans as magical Messi moves base. Barcelona’s loss, in all probability, will be PSG’s gain as Messi alongside former teammate Neymar and France World Cup hero Mbappe could be one of the most lethal forward line (“Messi signs $41 million deal with PSG, eyes Champions League trophy,” Aug. 12, Gulf Today).

It will no doubt be a bitter-sweet experience for Leo who was forced to cut ties with Barca after a 17-year long stint with the formidable Spanish side. For Messi it was a tearful farewell more so because his journey with the champion club began when he was just 13. To be breaking that bond was painful and he made no bones of that at the press briefing before flying to France to sign the new deal.

Brazilian Neymar who quit Camp Nou four years to join PSG had made no secret of his desire to once again team up with his former teammate at PSG. Another great advantage is that Messi has Mauricio Pochettino, a fellow Argentinian at the helm of the French club.

Messi’s glorious tenure at Barca earned the club 10 league crowns and four Champions League titles. And he eyes replicating some of that at his new club. PSG lost the French title to Lille last season and is yet to lay its hands on the Champions League trophy. Now with talismanic Messi in their fold, this season could be PSG’s time to get their name on the elusive trophy.

Ralph R
By email