Lionel Messi’s police escort keeps latest PSG signing safe from fans

A huge motorcade swept across the French capital to protect six-time Ballon d‘Or winner Lionel Messi from his screaming adorers.

Crowds swarm to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi was treated like a king as a huge motorcade swept across Paris to protect the signing Paris Saint-Germain hope will help them conquer Europe.

A large police escort took no chances in keeping the Barcelona icon safe after he flew into the French capital for PSG to announce his arrival.

Hundreds of fans flocked to greet the Argentina superstar, 34, at Le Bourget airport.

And the free agent is thought to have penned a two-year contract worth approximately AUD$111 million (USD$41 million per year according to Sports Illustrated), with the option for a third season.

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Messi paid a tearful goodbye to Barca after he offered to halve his pay but LaLiga insisted the Spanish giants must further cut their wage bill before they could re-sign him.

PSG then previewed his capture by sharing a teasing video on social media, with his international shirt and six Ballon d‘Or awards.

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona.

Supporters gathered at the airport, the club’s Parc des Princes stadium and on the streets as Messi appeared in the French capital.

The four-time Champions League winner waved to the adoring fans from a window at Paris-Le Bourget as he wore a Paris top.

A later video showed him being convoyed around the city with a massive police presence – more typical for a world leader.

Here he is! Crazy scenes in Paris! pic.twitter.com/L3fOsTzNVe

— Nik Simon (@Nik_Simon88) August 10, 2021

Messi and his dad Jorge were earlier seen passing through El Prat airport in Barcelona as they headed to Paris.

Jorge had all but confirmed the transfer himself on Tuesday morning when he told the press: “Leo’s going to sign with PSG today.”

Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo then posted a snap of the couple on board a jet, apparently for Paris.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission