‘Goodbye’ Messi…’7-time Ballon d’Or winner + World Cup’ leaves PSG “Only Barcelona-Al Hilal decision remains”
Lionel Messi (36) is leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The club officially announced the parting of ways after the final game.
Paris Saint-Germain announced the news on the club’s official website on Thursday, saying, “Thank you Messi. Messi spent two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain and his journey came to an end at the end of the 2022-23 season. We would like to express our warmest thanks to the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.”
“He made his Ligue 1 debut in August 2021. Messi scored 32 goals and provided 35 assists, including his debut goal against Manchester City in September 2021. He won his seventh Ballon d’Or with Paris Saint-Germain as they became league champions. He also captained Argentina to victory at the World Cup in Qatar and spent the entire 2022-23 season at Paris Saint-Germain,” he said of his career.
Messi’s farewell was predictable. “I had the privilege of coaching the greatest player of all time,” said Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier at the official press conference ahead of the 2022-23 French Ligue 1 final against Clermont at the Parc des Princes. The final against Clermont will be Messi’s last game.”
Galtier’s comments were also reported locally. The BBC reported that “Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season,” and CNN reported that “Messi will play his final game for Paris Saint-Germain against Clermont at their home stadium”. Many other media outlets have been reporting on Messi’s farewell.
Messi rose through the ranks of Barcelona’s youth system to become one of the club’s all-time greats. At one point, he considered leaving the club, but decided against it and signed a new contract until 2021. President Laporta was elected with the goal of keeping Messi, but ultimately failed to do so for financial reasons. They were unable to meet the salary cap and had to let the highly paid Messi go.
Messi later left for Paris Saint-Germain, signing a 2+1 year contract. Although he was not at 100% under Mauricio Pochettino, he gradually regained his ‘God of Soccer’ form. Last year, he participated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and won the World Cup trophy he wanted so badly.
After the World Cup, there was a positive trend, but the relationship with Paris Saint-Germain became cold. Paris Saint-Germain wanted to sign Messi to a one-year extension, but he was cold. Recently, when Messi failed to attend team training for a trip to Saudi Arabia, the club suspended him for crossing an unbridgeable river. Messi apologized, but he was not willing to sign the option for a one-year extension. Galtier’s words drove a wedge between the two clubs.
On leaving Paris, Messi said, “I want to thank the people of Paris for the last two seasons. I wish them all the best for the future,” he said in his farewell. “I want to thank Messi for his two seasons at PSG,” said president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. “His seven Ballon d’Ors and league titles in Paris have been a great inspiration for young players. At Paris Saint-Germain, commitment can never be underestimated. I wish Messi and his family the best of luck for the future.”안전놀이터
As with his move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, Messi will be a free agent, meaning he will cost zero. His contract with Paris Saint-Germain ends on June 30, so we won’t know his official destination until June. As of now, the Saudi Arabian side is the only official offer Messi has received. “Messi wants to return to Barcelona,” said Fabrizio Romano. However, the player’s camp has accepted the Saudi offer.”
However, Barcelona are determined to keep Messi. As coach Xavi Hernandez said in a recent interview, “I told president Laporta that we want Messi. Messi is in our plans for next season. It will be decided in the next week,” he said, showing his affection for Messi.
