MESSI TO LEAVE PSG AT THE END OF THE CURRENT SEASON.
Written by AIGBOKHAEBHO OKHUELEIGBE on June 1, 2023
Lionel Messi is to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, head coach Christophe Galtier confirmed on Thursday. Galtier effectively laid to rest the issues that have been on the front burner about the uncertainty of the future of the Argentine captain.
He clarified that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future lies away from the Parc des Princes ahead of PSG’s last outing of the campaign against Clermont Foot on Saturday.
Messi’s relationship with PSG fans has been one of a sour experience this season despite his impressive 21 goals and 20 assists. certain section of the fans were spotted whistling the two-time Champions League winner.
Unconfirmed reports suggests he may be heading to Saudi Arabia following speculations that he has agreed to a mouth-watering annual deal in the gulf country.
Barcelona who has made no secret of their desire to re-sign him this summer are also not totally out of the picture. Although their weak financial status may be their biggest challenge. Messi moved to PSG in 2021 after leaving Barcelona following a 17-year spell at the Camp Nou.
There’s been reports that Barcelona head coach Xavi has called on the club hierarchy to bring Messi back to the Nou Camp this summer, but says the move depends on the Argentina forward.
Messi, who scored 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barca between 2003 and 2021, has spent the last two seasons at PSG after Barcelona let him move for a free due to being unable to renew his contract.
Messi still believes that he can play at the highest level in Europe and Barcelona have made no secret of their desire to re-sign him this summer.
It remains to be seen whether they can afford to offer him a new contract but he is much more likely to stay in Europe than move to Inter Miami – or any other MLS club – or Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career.
