PSG manager Christophe Galtier has confirmed Lionel Messi will quit the French powerhouses this summer, ending months of speculation and rumours. This summer, the Argentine’s deal at Parc des Princes expires, and it was looking highly unlikely that he would sign new contract with the Parisian club.
And manager Galtier has now officially announced Lionel Messi’s departure, confirming that this weekend’s game against Clermont will be his final match for PSG. This brings an end to months of tensions between Messi and PSG, who were rather in a harmony and discussing a new deal post the playmaker’s World Cup triumph in December 2022.
Galtier completes Lionel Messi exit announcement formality
After spending the last two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi is formally departing the club. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who left his beloved Barcelona for PSG in 2021 on a free transfer, has scored 32 goals in 74 games across the two seasons in France.
Following his strike in the 1-1 draw with Strasbourg last weekend, Messi scored the decisive goal to capture the Ligue 1 championship for the second consecutive season, but as was predicted, he will not be staying put. Speaking in a press conference, PSG boss Galtier said:
“I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. It will be Leo’s last match at the Parc des Princes. Clermont Foot will be Messi’s final game at PSG.”
Lionel Messi was forced to leave Barcelona due to their financial difficulties before signing a lucrative contract with the French team. While in Paris, Messi helped them in winning the French Super Cup and two Ligue 1 titles. In 75 games across all competitions, he has recorded 32 goals and 35 assists going into this weekend’s matchup versus Clermont.
This season, Messi’s fortunes were less than favourable when it came to club football. After his return from the World Cup, where he led Argentina to glory by defeating France in a thrilling final, Messi at first faced criticism from the Parisian club’s supporters. Following an unauthorised vacation to Saudi Arabia, the 35-year-old forward was later suspended by the club.
That prompted already enraged fans to demonstrate protests in front of his home and the team’s headquarters in Paris. The Messi camp, lead by Jorge Messi’s father and agent, reportedly told the club’s Qatari owners of their desire to leave at the end of the current campaign, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Now, the 35-year-old must make a significant choice regarding his future. His attempted return to Catalonia is still being connected to his former team, Barcelona. But L’Equipe suggests that Messi may sign with Inter Miami and then be loaned to the Catalan team. Also, there have been rumours of a massive transfer to Al Hilal, where Lionel Messi would join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia and earn more than his longtime rival.