According to PSG manager Christophe Galtier, Lionel Messi will depart from the French club this summer. Messi’s contract with the Parc des Princes team is coming to an end, and it seemed very improbable that he would renew it, making his departure all but certain. Galtier has now confirmed the news, and Messi’s last match for PSG is scheduled for this weekend.
Messi to Leave PSG!
Speaking in a press conference, the Frenchman said: “I had a privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. It will be Leo’s last match at the Parc des Princes against Clermont.”
Messi joined PSG in the summer of 2021 after ending his long and successful career with Barcelona. Due to Barcelona’s financial problems, he had to leave and signed a lucrative contract with the French club.
During his time at PSG, Messi has contributed to the team’s success by winning two Ligue 1 titles and the French Super Cup. He has scored 32 goals and provided 35 assists in 75 appearances across all competitions, as of shortly before this weekend’s game against Clermont.
However, this season has not been entirely smooth for Messi, as he faced criticism from some PSG supporters upon his return from the World Cup, where he helped Argentina win the tournament against France.
The experienced striker faced a suspension after taking an unapproved trip to Saudi Arabia, which led to supporters protesting outside his residence and the club’s Paris headquarters. PSG’s failure to make a significant push for the Champions League title also did not help his reputation in the French capital.
As a result, the 35-year-old must make a significant decision about his future. His former club, Barcelona, has been mentioned as a possible destination for him to return to Catalonia.
Xavi, Messi’s former teammate and current Barcelona coach, has already stated that he has had discussions with Messi about the move. He recently remarked, “I informed the president that Messi’s return would be logical. Without a doubt, he is a perfect fit for our system and philosophy. I have a tactical strategy in mind with Leo.
The decision regarding his future lies entirely with Messi, and he needs to make the call himself. The coach is in communication with him.
There has been reported interest in Messi from Saudi Arabia, with sources claiming that his representatives have accepted a two-year contract worth €1.2 billion (£1.04 billion) from Al-Hilal. This move would see Messi follow in the footsteps of his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in a record-breaking transfer after leaving Manchester United last year.
While there might still be some work to do before a deal is finalized, there have been suggestions that some Premier League clubs are interested in acquiring Messi’s services. However, Messi himself has previously stated that he would prefer to retire at Barcelona.
