0
0
Lionel Messi will play his final match for Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, according to the club’s management.
Lionel Messi came two years ago wearing a T-shirt with the words “Ici c’est Paris,” or “This is Paris” — a favorite cry of Paris Saint-Germain fans — and to screams of “Messi! Messi! Messi!”
On Saturday, the soccer superstar will depart the squad with less respect.
Cheers have given way to jeers and boos at the Parc des Princes in recent weeks, where the World Cup winner will play his farewell game for the French league champion.
Messi’s time at PSG is coming to an end, according to Christophe Galtier, who confirmed the news on Thursday.
Messi will retire after Saturday’s season finale against Clermont. His contract is set to expire at the end of June.
“I had the honor of coaching the greatest player in soccer history,” Galtier stated. “This will be his final match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope he receives a warm welcome.”
Lionel Messi to play Last PSG Match, Galtier Confirms
PSG signed Messi, whose exit from Barcelona was almost certain due to the club’s dire financial situation, in August 2021 with the goal of winning the Champions League. The squad is still on the lookout.
From the vaults (August 2021): Lionel Messi sobs and declares that he is not ready to leave Barcelona.
PSG was eliminated from Europe’s premier event in the round of 16 for the second consecutive season. They failed to win their record-extending 11th French league title last weekend.
Messi’s trip to France has been bittersweet. Despite his strong numbers, he has come to represent the team’s flaws in the eyes of many PSG supporters, who have cynically booed his name in recent weeks.
After failing to adjust to the French league — Messi scored six league goals in his first 26 games — the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner improved this season as he built an effective understanding with striker Kylian Mbappe, an emerging worldwide sensation.
Following a strong start to the current Ligue 1 season, Messi has struggled to reproduce his success since returning from the World Cup, which Argentina won.
From the vaults (December 2022): Argentina defeats France on penalties to win the World Cup for the first time in Messi’s career.
From the vaults (October 2022): Seven-time winner of the Ballon d’Or Leo Messi has stated that the World Cup in Qatar will be his last.
Nonetheless, in 31 league games, Messi, 35, has scored 16 goals and provided as many assists. Messi scored 21 goals and had 20 assists with PSG in all competitions.
“This year, he has been an important part of the team, always available, always committed during training sessions,” Galtier added. “I don’t think any of the comments or criticisms are justified.”
Despite Galtier’s backing, PSG’s view of Messi has not always been good.
