The arrival of one of football's great in France's top flight has been a resounding one, with everyone from Nice coach Christophe Galtier to OL president Jean-Michel Aulas having their take... check out who said what!
Paris Saint-Germain's transfer coup - landing the signature of Lionel Messi, who had been 'untransferrable' for 20 years up until last week - has resounded throughout France's footballing world. And the general consensus is that the arrival of Messi - just one letter removed from the French word for Messiah (Messie) - is a benediction for Ligue 1 Uber Eats, its clubs and fans.
Galtier: 'A privilege'
We start with newly installed OGC Nice coach Christophe Galtier, who made the switch to the French Riviera after guiding northern club LOSC to the Ligue 1 Uber Eats title last season.
"I hope that all the stadiums will be full," said the man who pipped Paris Saint-Germain to French top-flight gold, "because it will be a great privilege to see him play every week in France."
Enviable task?
Meanwhile Saint-Etienne stopper Harold Moukoudi is pinching himself.
"I never thought it would happen on a Ligue 1 pitch," said the man who could be tasked with marshalling the mercurial Messi at what will likely be a sold-out Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Round 15. "We will be happy to welcome him in France and it will be a pleasure to meet him. We will savour this moment."
Aulas playing the angles
Olympique Lyonnais president Jean-Michel Aulas is thrilled at the Argentine's arrival - especially given the buoyant effect his presence could have on TV rights - while recognising that the bar keeps rising in Ligue 1 Uber Eats.
"If Qatar takes the initiative to build a great team at PSG, we are all delighted," smiled Aulas, "even though the competition will be even more difficult."
Lorenzi: 'A magical trio'
On the other hand, Brest sporting director Grégory Lorenzi is simply wide-eyed at the prospect of seeing a superstar of the game ply his trade in Brittany and around France.
"It is a joy for everyone to have a chance to see Lionel Messi at the Stade Francis-Le Blé this year. We are football lovers here, and to see one of the best players in the world arrive in Ligue 1 is exceptional and even magical," Lorenzi intoned. "It's a very good thing for the reputation of our league, and for French football in general. It will be a magical trio with [Kylian] Mbappé and Neymar. Paris-Saint-Germain now have almost the top three players in the world. It's a luxury to have these kinds of players in our competition."
>> Lionel Messi signs for PSG!
