via Getty
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 14: Lionel Messi of PSG during the new recruits of PSG presentation ahead of the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and RC Strasbourg Alsace at Parc des Princes stadium on August 14, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 14: Lionel Messi of PSG during the new recruits of PSG presentation ahead of the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and RC Strasbourg Alsace at Parc des Princes stadium on August 14, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)
The 2020-21 summer transfer window is incredible, possibly the greatest ever. Lionel Messi moved to PSG after his long tenure at Barcelona while Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford. The entire landscape of football has changed in one transfer window as a potential Kylian Mbappe deal to Madrid keeps fans waiting. In the meantime, Gerard Pique bought the TV rights to showcase Ligue 1 matches in Spain, and what a deal it has turned out to be.
Lionel Messi's debut for PSG became the most-viewed Ligue 1 match in Spanish history with an audience totaling 6,734,000 viewers 🤯
Pique bought the TV rights to Ligue 1 in Spain through his company Kosmos Holding last week. pic.twitter.com/9sr3DvZD0Z
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 30, 2021
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Pique buys TV rights for Spain
The Barcelona defender’s company Kosmos Holding bought the TV rights of Ligue 1 after Messi’s move to PSG. With one stroke of genius, Pique made a brilliant decision. Notably, Messi made his debut against Reims as the total audience viewership numbers came up to 6,734,000 viewers. This is what the undisputed GOAT can do to people.
Kosmos wants to capitalise on the Messi effect in French football. The company chaired by Gerard Piqué has joined forces with Enjoy Television to acquire the television rights for Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 in Spain for the next three seasons. [playbook] pic.twitter.com/75XxZ32ybl
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 25, 2021
Significantly, Pique bought the rights last week in an astute business move. The match was on free-to-air streaming service Twitch as the debut of Messi attracted millions of viewers. The match was broadcasted on the channel of Ibai Llanos who is an e-sports commentator. Spanish television channel Telecinco also paid to telecast the game live.
To sum up, Messi’s influence is staggering.
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Lionel Messi finally makes his debut
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The summer of 21 saw a host of changes in major clubs. Ronaldo’s arrival at Manchester United shocked the world. However, Lionel Messi is a legend. The fan following he has was evident from the reception he received during yesterday’s game.
As the game went into the second half, the fans got their Kodak moment. Messi’s warm-up itself sent the stadium into a frenzy. Getting an ovation from your home fans is something. But to get a standing ovation from the away fans speaks volumes about this legend. Even though he could not score or assist a goal, his aura graced through the pitch and provided an incredible experience for the fans.
via Reuters
Soccer Football – Ligue 1 – Stade de Reims v Paris St Germain – Stade Auguste-Delaune, Reims, France – August 29, 2021 Paris St Germain’s Lionel Messi in action with Stade de Reims’ Yunis Abdelhamid REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Although he plays for Paris Saint Germain, the excitement from fans who follow Ligue 1 is understandable. Entering the twilight years of his career, Messi hopes to win matches and entertain the crowds in France. Pique, on the other hand, would rub his hands at the prospects of showcasing the best player on the planet.
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