June 2 – Lionel Messi will play his final game for Paris St-Germain against Clermont Foot tomorrow as speculation grows as to where the 35-year-old Argentine superstar will end up next.
Messi, who joined on a free transfer from Barcelona in July 2021, helped PSG win two successive Ligue 1 titles and has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia while talk of a return to Barcelona is also being widely rumoured.
Messi’s relationship with PSG fans has soured this season even to the extent of being booed.
Last month, the World Cup winner was the centre of controversy as he missed a training session and instead travelled to Saudi Arabia to promote the country’s tourism industry.
Messi later apologised but couldn’t avoid a two-week suspension.
There was an option to extend Messi’s initial two-year deal by a further 12 months, but that will not now happen. PSG coach Christophe Galtier has confirmed the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will be leaving at the end of the season.
“I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football,” Galtier said on Thursday. “This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1735503541labto1735503541ofdlr1735503541owedi1735503541sni@w1735503541ahsra1735503541w.wer1735503541dna1735503541