PARIS – Lionel Messi arrived two years ago wearing a t-shirt that read “Ici C’est Paris” (This is Paris) – a favorite shout of Paris Saint-Germain fans – and to the shouts of “Messi!” Messi! Messi!”
The soccer superstar won’t leave the team quite so revered on Saturday.
The jubilation has been replaced by jeers and boos in recent weeks at the Parc des Princes, where the world champions play their final game for the French champions.
Christophe Galtier confirmed on Thursday that the upcoming end of the season also means the end of Messi’s time at PSG.
Messi will be eliminated by Clermont in the league final on Saturday. His contract expires at the end of June.
“I’ve had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football,” said Galtier. “This will be his last game at the Parc des Princes and I hope he gets a warm welcome.”
PSG recruited Messi in August 2021 with the goal of finally winning the Champions League. The team is still waiting.
Despite winning their record-breaking 11th French league title last weekend, PSG were eliminated from Europe’s top tournament in the round of 16 for the second straight season.
Messi’s adventure in France was bittersweet. Despite fairly good stats, he embodies the side’s shortcomings in the eyes of many PSG fans, who have been whistling his name sarcastically in recent weeks.
After struggling to adapt to the French league – the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored just six league goals in his first 26 games – Messi improved this season as he developed an efficient understanding with striker Kylian Mbappe.
However, after a good start to the current season, Messi hasn’t managed to repeat that form since returning from the World Cup he won with Argentina.
Still, the 35-year-old Messi has scored 16 goals and provided as many assists in 31 league games. In all competitions, Messi has scored 21 goals and provided 20 assists for PSG.
“This year he’s been an important part of the team, always available, always engaged in training,” said Galtier. “I don’t think the comments or criticism are warranted.”
Despite Galtier’s backing, PSG’s appreciation of Messi hasn’t always been so positive.
Last month, the club suspended him after an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. Messi has a trade deal with Saudi Arabia to boost tourism and is being linked with a lucrative move there at the end of the season.
There have also been talks of returning to Barcelona, where he has spent the majority of his career, or to the US to play in MLS.
Messi arrived at Barcelona at the age of 13 and left the club after winning 35 titles. He helped the club win four Champions Leagues, ten Spanish leagues and seven Copa del Reys.
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