Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Christophe Galtier has confirmed that Lionel Messi will play his final match for the club this weekend, bringing his two-year spell at the club to a close. PSG had signed Messi in 2021 with the aim of winning the Champions League, but the team failed to progress past the round of 16.
Despite winning the World Cup with Argentina last December, Messi’s year at PSG has been mixed. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been criticised by some sections of fans for his performances, and was suspended by the club last month following an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. Messi has a commercial agreement to promote tourism in Saudi Arabia and has been linked with a lucrative move there at the end of the season.
PSG will play Clermont Foot on Saturday, which will also be Messi’s final game at Parc des Princes. The Argentinian is said to be choosing between a move to Saudi Arabia, a return to Barcelona, or a fresh start with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
During his two-year stint at PSG, Messi scored 16 goals and delivered as many assists in 31 league games. Although he has been subject to criticism from some PSG fans, Galtier hailed Messi as “the best player in the history of soccer” and said he hopes the Argentinian will receive a warm welcome from fans during the game against Clermont. However, PSG are unlikely to provide Messi with a huge send-off given the situation of goalkeeper Sergio Rico, who remains in hospital in Spain after an accident over the weekend.
Reports have suggested that the Argentine has been offered a billion-dollar contract to play for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, but Messi may be discouraged by the experience of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is considering leaving Saudi Arabia after six months with Al-Nassr. A return to Barcelona is also unlikely due to their financial problems.
Messi’s future is currently up in the air, but his father has denied rumours surrounding his upcoming transfer, stating that “there is absolutely nothing” with any club for next year, and that a decision will not be made until the end of the season.
