Thousands of enthusiastic fans had gathered in front of the Prinzenpark Stadium, inside the new star of Paris Saint-Germain presented himself in a fine suit and beamed - very differently than on Sunday, when he shed bitter tears after the involuntary departure from FC Barcelona : Lionel Messi is in Paris.
And Lionel Messi is happy again.
"When I got here, I felt happy," he said.
When he was presented in the stadium on Wednesday morning, he did not want to set a date for his game premiere in the Paris Saint-Germain shirt.
"I dont know.
I'm coming back from vacation, ”said the 34-year-old, who first went on vacation to Florida and Ibiza after winning the Copa America with the Argentine national team.
After his return last week, negotiations with FC Barcelona failed because of the rules of financial fair play in Spain.
On Tuesday evening, PSG announced the South American's signing.
He sure needs some preparation before he can play again, Messi said at a press conference at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
"I hope it will be as early as possible."
PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi spoke next to the new superstar in the star ensemble of the French capital club of a "wonderful and historic day for the club and the football world".
Messi makes football magical and he is a winner, said the 47-year-old, visibly proud and delighted with the globally acclaimed transfer coup.
Messi is really looking forward to playing with Neymar, who he still knows from Barcelona, and Kylian Mbappé: “It's crazy.
It's madness to be on the pitch with these two players.
I will play with probably the best players in the world. "Al-Khelaifi does not think that Mbappé still works:" Kylian likes the competition.
He wants a competitive team - and I think we're the best in the world.
There is no reason for Mbappe not to stay here. "
Messi signed a two-year deal with an option for another season.
"I hope this will be a great year," emphasized the six-time world footballer, who also declared winning the Champions League as the goal for the 2020 finalists.
Messi had his last big club triumph in 2015 when he won the premier class together with his buddy and future teammate Neymar.
As at his farewell press conference in Barcelona last Sunday, Messi was accompanied by his wife and their three sons, who were already wearing the new jersey of their famous dad with the number 30.
“I really enjoy my time in Paris and my family is very comfortable.
I want a fresh start in my life, ”he said.
After the performance, which lasted around 35 minutes, there were “Messi” chants in the press room in Paris. The enthusiasm in France's capital about the new star is apparently limitless. “Everything happened so quickly and it was so emotional. I can't forget what my experience was in Barcelona, ”said Messi. It was an "up and a down". But he is now going through this process with his family.