Lionel Messi‘s welcome package upon signing for Paris Saint-Germain included a payment in cryptocurrency fan tokens.
The Argentinian signed a two-year contract with the French giants on Tuesday, with the option of a third.
It was announced last week that Messi would depart Barcelona after 21 years at the club due to Spanish LaLiga regulations on player registration.
The tokens that Messi has received are known as PSG Fan Tokens, and were implemented to give fans a small amount of influence on certain club decisions.
They can vote on ‘fan judgement’ polls published by the club, and the possession of a token creates opportunities such as video calls with players.
Cryptocurrency is a virtual currency, and has rose in popularity over recent years.
PSG partnered with blockchain (a form of crypto technology) firm Socios back in 2018 – the first sports franchise to do so.
In a post on their official website, PSG explained: “In a world-first for such a high-profile signing, Leo Messi received a large number of ‘$PSG Fan Tokens’.
“The inclusion of the $PSG Fan Tokens in the player’s welcome package instantly ties him with millions of Paris Saint-Germain as one of the most innovative and avant-garde sports franchises in the world.
“Token implementation comes as a great illustration of the way the Club is constantly finding ways to increase and diversify its revenue streams to continue developing as a global brand.
“Through $PSG Fan Tokens, fans worldwide get the opportunity to choose a motivational message on the wall of the dressing room before a key game, the Goal of the Season, or the winners of the club’s end of season awards.
“Fans have also expereicned unique, personal video calls from first team stars via the platform, and even more exciting activations are planned for the coming weeks and months.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
