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Lionel Messi's Argentina Clause In PSG Deal Set To Be Used For First Time This Week

Lionel Messi's Argentina Clause In PSG Deal Set To Be Used For First Time This Week

Lionel Messi had a special 'Argentina clause' inserted in the initial two-year deal he signed with PSG.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

The Argentina clause in Lionel Messi's Paris Saint-Germain looks set to be used for this time at the end of this week.

After ending his 21-year association with Barcelona, Messi signed an initial two-year contract with PSG and has the option of an extra year.

Negotiations were concluded pretty swiftly for the free transfer, but Messi was able to have a special clause inserted.

According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, Messi is prioritising the Argentina national team when it comes to official games and friendly matches.

Image: PA
Image: PA

Captain Messi is highly motivated and committed to the national team after leading La Albiceleste to a long-awaited Copa America triumph in the summer.

And ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, PSG will not be able to hold Messi back from representing his country.

It was also agreed that Argentina staff would be given access to PSG's facilities - which makes sense given the club are managed by an Argentine in Mauricio Pochettino and there are now four players from the South American country plying their trade in Paris.

Image: PA
Image: PA

But the arrangement PSG and Messi accepted will likely come into play this weekend. Messi and Argentina play a World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in the early hours of Friday morning CEST time.

Meanwhile PSG return to Ligue One against Clermont Foot on Saturday 11 September and given the time difference and travelling schedule, it's near-impossible for Messi to play in both fixtures.

It means that fans might just have to wait a little longer for Messi's home debut at the Parc Des Princes.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner made his PSG bow as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Reims on 29 August - his debut breaking Ligue One viewing records.

Image: PA
Image: PA

Without a full pre-season under his belt, he then went straight into the international break and has had an eventful old time.

Messi survived a horrific, career-ending tackle from Venezuela's Adrian Martinez in a 3-1 win. The shocking challenge saw Martinez rightly sent off after a VAR review and fortunately Messi was able to continue.

Then, days later, the Copa America final rematch with Brazil was suspended after FIVE minutes when Brazilian health officials stormed the pitch and halted proceedings.

As per current COVID-19 regulations in the country, Emiliano Buendia, Emiliano Martinez, Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero - all playing in England - were meant to quarantine for 14 days before entering.

The game did not resume and Messi laid into an official, reportedly saying, "We've been here for three days, we were waiting to play the match, why didn't you come earlier?

"This is a mess, we're off!"

Featured Image Credit: Image: PA

Topics: Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Argentina

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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