BARCELONA star Gerard Pique's company has bought the rights to Ligue 1 in Spain after Lionel Messi's move to Paris Saint-Germain, reports suggest.

According to ESPN, Pique's Kosmos Holding bought the rights for the next three years in collaboration with Enjoy TV and are planning to sub-license them to a television channel or an OTT.

Movistar previously held the rights to Ligue 1 in Spain in a deal worth less than €2.5million (£2.1m) annually, but turned down the chance to renew them this season before Messi left Barca.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner put an end to his scintillating 17-year spell at the Nou Camp once his contract expired this summer.

The star forward was expecting to put pen to paper on a new five-year deal with the Blaugrana and even accepted a 50 per cent pay cut.

However, talks fell through and the Argentina international had to leave with returning club president Joan Laporta blaming LaLiga's new financial regulations and the previous regime for this outcome.

The 34-year-old then moved to PSG where he signed a lucrative two-year deal that will see him make £30m per year.

The Argentine superstar has yet to make his debut as he recently came back from an extended holiday following his exploits at Copa America.

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Messi led his country to the esteemed South American trophy, which marked his first ever major honour in international football.

Pique's Kosmos also bought the rights to the Copa America final in the summer, which saw Argentina beating Brazil at the Maracana.

Messi could make his long-awaited debut when PSG travel to Reims this Sunday.

Many expect him to form a staggering partnership in attack next to Kylian Mbappe and former Barcelona team-mate Neymar.

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