Lionel Messi, the superstar of soccer, recently signed a two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and some of the details of the deal have been revealed. He will get an annual salary of $41 million. He will also get bonuses and a reported $30 million signing fee. But that is not all!
On Thursday, PSG said that the iconic footballer’s “welcome package” will also contain “$PSG Fan Tokens.” This led to a rally on the crypto currency which more than doubled after Messi joined the club. PSG called its move to pay Messi in crypto currency “innovative” and avant-garde” move that made the club a global brand.
The $PSG token was created by the club in January 2020. It sought help from crypto website Socios. The crypto currency was designed to increase its fan community. It allows people to get involved in decisions that involve the club.
Mark Armstrong, who is the chief partnerships officer, said that they had gained a new fan base and increased their global audience after the club joined the Socios website. PSG has also gained a good digital revenue stream, since.
Many other clubs have also started issuing their individual club tokens. Some of the major clubs who have started or are starting to do so include
- Arsenal
- Inter Milan
- Aston Villa.
Earlier on Wednesday, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the president of PSG said that the world would be “shocked” as the club will gain huge financial revenues after signing the Argentinian legend. A financial windfall is in the making as new jersey sales will commence with Messi’s advent to the club.
Barcelona had recently stated that it could not afford to continue with the five-year contract it had signed with the superstar. Messi was emotionally overwrought on Monday as he bid farewell to the club. He broke down in tears. On Wednesday, at a press conference he mentioned that the week had been an “emotional roller coaster.”
Messi has been with Barca for two decades. His records with the Catalan club include 672 goals in all competitions. The club won 34 trophies. The Argentinian has won FIFA’s player of the year award six times. He is also a six-time recipient of the European Golden Shoe.
Lionel Messi has signed on with PSG as a free agent. His two-year contract could be renewed for a third year.
