Excited Paris St Germain fans gathered at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday evening after the club issued a series of less than subtle hints that Argentina superstar Lionel Messi was about to sign.
The 34-year-old six-times Ballon d'Or winner, who bade an emotional farewell to Barcelona after 21 years on Sunday, had earlier been pictured in Paris, sending the club's supporters into a frenzy.
Footage posted on social media later showed Messi arriving at the stadium and waving at the assembled fans.
PSG and Manchester City were swiftly touted as possible destinations and the big-spending Ligue 1 club, whose quest for a maiden Champions League success is ongoing, wasted little time in making their pitch.
A jubilant reception is guaranteed with Neymar having already appeared to issue his own welcome, posting on his Instagram account the words 'Back together' above a montage of the duo's best goals and assists from their time together at the Nou Camp.
PSG have also signed big-name free agents Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos and Georginio Wijnaldum this summer to boost their challenge for European glory.
