In recent weeks there has been growing speculation about the future of Lionel Messi.
But on Thursday, Paris Saint-Germain head coach Christophe Galtier put some of the rumors to rest by confirming that the superstar player will leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
Two years ago, Messi arrived in a shirt emblazoned with «Ici C’est Paris» («This is Paris»), a favorite cry among Paris Saint-Germain fans.
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Argentina’s Lionel Messi warms up for the World Cup final match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar on December 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
At first, the fans were moved by Messi’s presence, but those cheers later turned into jeers and jeers. The World Cup winner will retire in PSG’s league final against Clermont on Saturday.
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«I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of soccer,» Galtier said. «This will be his last game at the Parc des Princes and I hope he receives the warmest of welcomes.»
PSG recruited Messi in August 2021 with the ambition of finally winning the Champions League. But the team has yet to achieve that goal.
Lionel Messi of Argentina drives the ball during the World Cup match with Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium on November 22, 2022, in Lusail, Qatar. (Florencia Tan Jun/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Although PSG won their 11th French league title last weekend, they exited Europe’s top tournament in the round of 16 for the second successive season.
Messi’s adventure in France has been bittersweet. Despite fairly good stats, he has embodied the team’s shortcomings in full view of many PSG fans who have sarcastically hissed his name repeatedly in recent weeks.
Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain is pictured during a match against Juventus de Turin at Juventus Stadium on November 2, 2022 in Turin, Italy. (Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
After struggling to adjust to the French league (the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner netted just six league goals in his first 26 games), Messi improved this season by developing an efficient understanding with striker Kylian Mbappe.
After a strong start to the current campaign, Messi has been unable to replicate that form since returning from the World Cup he won with Argentina.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi touches the World Cup trophy after beating France on December 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Still, in 31 league games, the 35-year-old Messi has scored 16 goals and provided as many assists. In all competitions, Messi has scored 21 times and provided 20 assists for PSG.
«This year he has been an important part of the team, always available, always committed during training,» Galtier said. «I don’t think any of the comments or criticisms are justified.»
Despite Galtier’s support, PSG’s appreciation of Messi has not always been so positive.
He was suspended by the club last month following an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. Messi has a business contract with Saudi Arabia to promote tourism and has been linked with a lucrative move there at the end of the season.
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There has also been talk of a return to Barcelona, where he spent most of his career, or to the United States to play in MLS.
Associated Press contributed to this report.