Lionel Messi has agreed a blockbuster two-year deal, with an option for a third, and travelled to Paris Saint-Germain, officially drawing a close on his historic 21-year attachment to Barcelona.

Messi, 34, came off contract in June with the Catalans and became a free agent, with continued “financial and structural obstacles” leading to Thursday’s bombshell announcement a renewal would not be signed. An incredible 672 goals were netted in 778 appearances by the Argentina icon who bid a tearful farewell at Sunday’s packed press conference, with 34 trophies also being claimed and six Ballon d’Ors.

L’Equipe first broke news of the final agreement in late morning Paris time. This only increased the fanfare around Messi, who then departed for the French capital.

A teaser video was posted on PSG’s social media upon his arrival and a picture soon followed of him wearing a ‘Ici c’est Paris’ T-shirt at Le Bourget airport.