Lionel MESSI

Paris Saint-Germain

Snaking out of the doors, winding past the shops and cafes of the Champs-Elysees and down into a metro station - Leo Messi’s appeal was measured in metres rather than euros as the line outside PSG’s club shop grew with fans desperate for a “Messi 30” replica shirt.

Following a disastrous year financially, which included almost an entire season played behind closed doors and the collapse of a huge TV deal, French football is in desperate need of renewed impetus. Ligue1 will be hoping that the attention generated by Messi’s arrival holds, as it could have far reaching benefits in instigating a surge in sponsorship, broadcast deals and even tourism.

Although Messi’s arrival may ensure domestic dominance this season, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner was nevertheless warmly welcomed by all of France. Rival fans applauded as he warmed up before his debut at Reims, while Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas told that Messi’s arrival “will be fantastic for us all…for the general marketing and promotion of Ligue1.”