LIONEL Messi will not stay at Paris Saint-Germain beyond this season, manager Christophe Galtier has announced.
The 35-year-old World Cup-winning Argentina captain has been persistently linked with an exit from the Ligue 1 champions, and Galtier confirmed the reports today.
Despite contributing 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season as they retained their French top flight title, Messi has been subjected to abuse by the club’s fans, who blame him for their failure to win the UEFA Champions League.
Galtier said PSG’s Ligue 1 home clash against Clement Foot at Parc des Princes.
“I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes,” Galtier said during his pre-match press conference today.
Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or a record seven times, was suspended for two weeks recently after an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia when he was supposed to train with his team following their 3-1 defeat at home to Lorient in the league.
Still, Galtier defended the superstar, who joined PSG on a two-year contract from Barcelona in 2021.
“This year, he has been an important part of the team, always available. I don’t think any of the comments or criticisms are justified,” Galtier noted.
“He’s always been there for the team. It’s been a great privilege to accompany him throughout the season.”
Messi has been reported to be close to joining Saudi Arabia Pro League club Al Hilal, with AFP even reporting that he had agreed to join the club in a whopping €400m deal.
Although Messi’s father Jorge denied the Al Hilal agreement, the links still persist, with Barcelona also being mentioned as a possible destination.
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