Football icon Lionel Messi is preparing to bid farewell to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), with his final game against Clermont slated for today.
“After two seasons in Paris, Lionel Messi’s journey with PSG concludes with the 2022-23 season,” the Ligue 1 club announced on social media.
Messi is expected to feature in today’s match at the Parc des Princes, marking the culmination of his two-year stint with PSG.
Speculation about Messi’s departure from PSG has been rife, with reports hinting at a potential move to Saudi Arabia for a fresh challenge.
Messi joined PSG two seasons back from Barcelona to clinch a Champions League title for the French club, a goal that remained unachieved.
PSG suffered defeat in the Champions League last 16 to Real Madrid last season and this year to Bayern Munich.
Messi, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, received an annual after-tax salary of approximately €30 million ($32.1 million) from Qatar-backed PSG.
The Argentinian led his national team to a World Cup win against France in Qatar last December. However, he could not replicate this success with PSG in the Champions League.
Despite scoring 32 goals in 74 matches for PSG, Messi faced criticism from some fans. In addition, his relationship with the club was further strained following an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia earlier this season.
While a return to Barcelona might be welcomed, the chances seem to have dwindled recently. Instead, a move to Saudi Arabia seems more likely. Last month, a source close to the Saudi negotiations told AFP it was a “done deal” for Messi to join the Saudi Arabian league, although Messi’s father, Jorge, disputed this claim.
Messi’s legacy in the French league may not be significant in the context of his illustrious career, but his contribution has left an impact.
“I’ve had the privilege to guide the best player in football history,” said PSG coach Christophe Galtier this week. “He has been a significant part of the team this year. The criticism he’s received, I believe, is unjustified. He is 35, played a World Cup mid-season, and has scored or assisted over 40 goals in all competitions. It was a great privilege to accompany him throughout the season.
