Christophe Galtier has confirmed that this weekend’s Paris Saint-Germain game will take place Lionel Messilast for the club.
The Ligue 1 champions, who secured their 11th league title last weekend, complete the 2022-23 campaign against Clermont Foot on Saturday evening.
Ex Barcelona forward and PSG had the option to extend their two-year deal by a further year but the clause could only be activated if both parties were happy to continue their relationship.
Instead, Messi’s time in the French capital has come to an end with a number of options available for his next destination.
Messi has been criticized by PSG fans but his coach hopes his time at the club will be remembered fondly.
“I have had the privilege of managing the greatest player of all time,” Galtier said. “This will be his last game at the Parc des Princes, I hope he will be received in the best possible way.”
“He was an important part of the team this season and was always available. I don’t think the comments and criticism have any basis.”
Messi has been constantly linked with a return to Barcelona as well as a move to Barcelona MLS with Inter Miami said to be leading the race for his signature.
He has also been rumored to be moving to Saudi Arabia due to his strong ties to the country. Last month, Messi was suspended for two weeks by PSG for taking an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia.
Messi has a multi-million pound deal with Saudi Arabia – which wants to host the 2030 World Cup – to boost tourism in the country but PSG have been furious that the player has prioritized that work over his commitments to them.
Messi has scored 17 goals in 33 games in all competitions this season.
Go deeper
If not PSG for Lionel Messi, then where?
Back to Barcelona?
Analysis by Pol Ballus
While Messi’s deal seems like an impossible piece of the puzzle at Camp Nou right now given their financial situation, none of that will deter many at Barcelona from believing a deal can happen.
The coaching staff, led by manager Xavi, are pushing for Messi’s “last dance” at the club. Xavi said yesterday: “With the relationship I have with him, I am very clear: he has the door open here. If he wants to come, I have no doubts as a manager, no one. I think he would give us a lot.”
Move to Saudi Arabia?
Analysis by Pol Ballus
Messi could earn up to 400 million euros (about $443 million) a year to play out his career in Saudi Arabia.
There is a lack of projects to choose from in Europe, but the grant agreement Saudi Arabia Signing Messi to boost international tourism does not automatically mean he wants to play football for his clubs there, and he is not the only player the league is targeting.
Join Inter Miami?
Analysis by Tom Bogert
Inter Miami has been courting him for a long time, and if Messi were to choose Miami, it could be the biggest single signing in MLS history. He has a home in Miami and regularly vacations in South Florida. Miami also has the roster spot (or “designated player spot” in MLS parlance) ready for Messi.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber said Athletic in March, it will probably take a creative deal to make it happen but that the league and Inter Miami are willing to be flexible.
(Photo: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
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