How Leo Messi convinced Paulinho to join Barcelona during a match between Argentina and Brazil

Barcelona summer arrival Paulinho has revealed an interesting story of he was convinced by Lionel Messi to join the Catalan club during a match between Argentina and Brazil.

In an interview with El Periodico, the former Guanzhou Evergrand midfielder said that before the official contact from the club had been made, Messi already had asked him over a move.

During a match of the two national teams in June something happened, and Paulinho has revealed exactly what.

“It’s true. It was in the friendly that we played against Argentina in June. I was preparing to take a free-kick with Willian and another player I do not remember. Suddenly, I see Messi from behind, who is approaching me little by little and says: ‘Are you going to Barcelona or not?’ He told me right before I was about to take the foul.”

“What did I tell him? ‘If you want to take me, you can take me. I am going’. I was so nervous that I said to Willian, ‘You’re taking the free-kick!’ After the game, I was able to exchange shirts with him. He did not let me shoot the free-kick, but I’m here.”