'Welcome Leo': Messi enjoys first training session with PSG - in pictures

Argentine star began his professional life outside Barcelona on Thursday

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 12: Lionel Messi in action during a Paris-Germain training session at Ooredoo Center on August 12, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Paris Saint-Germain Football / PSG via Getty Images)

Lionel Messi fights for possession with Marquinhos during PSG's training session on Thursday.

Lionel Messi warms up during a Paris Saint-Germain training session at Ooredoo Centre.

Lionel Messi took part in his first training session with Paris Saint-Germain.

Lionel Messi controls the ball during a PSG training session at Ooredoo Centre.

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi enjoyed his first training session with Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday, looking relaxed as he began life outside the Spanish league for the first time in his career.

The shock end of Messi's two-decades long relation with Barcelona rocked the football world, and his reunion with Neymar at PSG was equally incredible.

Following his unveiling to the Parisian public on Wednesday, Messi got back to training at the Camp des Loges facility.

World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe was one of the first to welcome Messi as the 22-year-old greeted the veteran on social media.

“Welcome to Paris, Leo,” Mbappe wrote alongside photos of the pair.

L'Equipe reported that Messi's first training session consisted mainly of running and physical recovery exercises.

The 34-year-old joined PSG on a two-year contract with the option of extending it by another year.

PSG said on Thursday that the club's cryptocurrency fan tokens were included in Messi's 'welcome package', which is estimated at $29-35 million.

Messi left Barcelona as the club's record scorer with 672 goals.

After the signing, Messi revealed he was looking forward to teaming with Neymar and Mbappe. “It’s crazy,” said Messi of the PSG strike force. “This was already a very complete team and they have added great signings this summer.”