Lionel Messi knows the order of his priorities ahead of a sensational move to PSG, reportedly putting a clause in his contract which allows the icon to miss Ligue 1 games for Argentina call-ups.
The forward is in Paris finalising a free transfer from his crumbling boyhood club, Barcelona, after announcing his emotional Nou Camp exit at a teary press-conference last week.
Messi has now reportedly completed his medical ahead of signing on a two-year deal, according to Sky Sports, which includes a telling detail.
Within the 34-year-old’s contract PSG have agreed he can leave for Argentina qualifiers, or even friendlies, even when they overlap with French league games, according to TyC Sports.
Messi clinched the Copa America this summer, finally lifting the international silverware to match Cristiano Ronaldo’s Euro 2016 glory and hushing fans who had questioned his ability when he plays for Argentina.
The World Cup is the final empty slot in his otherwise perfect trophy cabinet, a title Ronaldo has never managed.
Qatar 2022 is likely to be Messi’s final World Cup for his nation, so it’s no wonder he wants to be present for each meet-up on the road to next year’s tournament.
MESSI’S CALENDAR
Saturday, August 14 – 4:00 p.m PSG vs. Racing Club of Strasbourg
Friday, August 20 – 4:00 p.m Brest vs. PSG
Sunday, August 29 – 3:45 p.m Reims vs. PSG
Thursday, September 2 – (TBC): Venezuela vs Argentina
Sunday, September 5 – (TBC): Brazil vs Argentina
Thursday September 9 – (TBC): Argentina vs Bolivia
Sunday, September 12 – (TBC): PSG vs. Clermont
Sunday, September 19 – (TBC): PSG vs. Lyon
