Coach confirms Lionel Messi’s last match for PSG this weekend

Paris, June 1 (US): Lionel Messi arrived two years ago wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with “Ici C’est Paris” (This is Paris), a favorite cry among PSG fans and chants of “Messi! Messi”. Messi!

The soccer star will leave the team on Saturday completely disrespectful, the Associated Press (AP) reports.

Cheers have been replaced by boos and boos in recent weeks at the Parc des Princes, where the World Cup winner will play his final match against the French champions.

Christophe Galtier confirmed on Thursday that the looming end of the season is also the end of Messi’s time at Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi will go out in the league final against Clermont on Saturday. His contract expires at the end of June.

“I’ve had the honor of coaching the best player in football history,” said Galtier. “This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope he receives the warmest welcome.”

Paris Saint-Germain appointed Messi in August 2021 with the ambition to finally win the Champions League. The team is still waiting.

Although Paris Saint-Germain won a record eleventh French Ligue 1 title last weekend, they were again knocked out of Europe’s premier tournament in the round of 16.

Messi’s adventure in France was bittersweet. Despite the good stats, he personified the team’s shortcomings in the eyes of the many PSG fans who have repeatedly whistled his name in derision in recent weeks.

After struggling to adapt to Ligue 1, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored just six goals in his first 26 appearances, Messi has improved this season as he develops an effective rapport with striker Kylian Mbappe.

In 31 league matches, the 35-year-old Messi has scored 16 goals and provided many assists. Across all competitions, Messi has scored 21 goals and 20 assists for Paris Saint-Germain.

“This year, he’s been an important part of the team, always available, always committed during training sessions,” Galtier said. “I don’t think any of the comments or criticisms are warranted.”

Despite Galtier’s backing, PSG’s appreciation of Messi has not always been positive.

Last month, the club suspended him after an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. Messi has a commercial contract with Saudi Arabia to promote tourism and was linked with a lucrative move there at the end of the season.

There was also talk of returning to Barcelona, ​​where he has spent most of his career, or to the United States to play in MLS.

Messi arrived at Barcelona at the age of 13 and left after winning 35 trophies. He helped the club win four European Champions Leagues, 10 Spanish league championships, and seven Copa del Rey championships.

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