Lionel Messi to leave PSG, confirms coach Christophe Galtier

Star footballer Lionel Messi is all set to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after their last Ligue 1 2022/23 fixture against Clermont Foot on Saturday, coach Christophe Galtier confirmed on Thursday.

“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,” Christophe Galtier told reporters on Thursday.

“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 said.

“He’s always been there for the team. It’s been a great privilege to accompany him throughout the season.”

Lionel Messi, who has 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, moved to the club from Barcelona in 2021 on a two-year contract.

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is likely to play in Saudi Arabia next season under a “huge” deal, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told AFP earlier this month.

“Messi is a done deal. He will play in Saudi Arabia next season,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity and without naming the club.

“The contract is exceptional. It’s huge. We are just finalising some small details,” the source added.

Asked about the comments, Lionel Messi’s current club Paris Saint-Germain simply noted that he remains under contract until June 30.

A separate PSG source said: “If the club had wanted to renew his contract, it would have been done earlier.”

However, he returned to training with PSG on Monday six days after being suspended for going on an unauthorised trip.

Messi subsequently apologised in a video posted on Instagram to his 458 million followers.

“I had organised this trip to Saudi Arabia having cancelled it previously. This time I couldn’t cancel it. I am sorry for what I did and I wait to see what the club decides to do.”

The affair has made it increasingly unlikely that Lionel Messi will remain at PSG beyond this season, when his two-year contract with the club expires.

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