Philippe Coutinho: Messi reveals why Barcelona paid £142m for Liverpool star

Lionel Messi has explained why Barcelona were forced to pay £142million to Liverpool for Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian signed a five-and-a-half year contract at the Nou Camp yesterday and joined up with his team-mates today ahead of their 3-0 victory against Levante.

Barcelona showed Coutinho off to the waiting press after the match, who were able to take pictures of the 25-year-old in his new attire.

However, the formalities of his unveiling and press conference are put on hold until tomorrow.

The fee Barcelona paid to Liverpool is the third highest of all time and the largest ever involving a British club.

No matter my opinion about the price, it's gone up a bit, but it's the market that decides where to move. Lionel messi speaking about Philippe Coutinho's price tag.

But messi believes it was the current market inflation which caused the fee to be so high.

Every good player is welcome, I congratulate the president and everyone who has made it possible for us to be here,” Rakitic said.

“We welcome him as one more, he is one of the family, we all know him, we are going to enjoy him a lot. 

Every good player is welcome and we will all fight for the goals, no matter my opinion about the price, it's gone up a bit, but it's the market that decides where to move, but it's the biggest club in the world. 

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Coutinho posed for photos this evening.

"We wanted another player to come, one who is among the best.

He can not play the Champions League, but that was already known, he will help us in La Liga and hopefully in the cup. 

“But we have to give him time, we will give him affection."