The coach of Paris Saint-Germain, Christophe Galtier, confirmed this Thursday at a press conference that Saturday will be Leo Messi’s last game at the Parc des Princes, which means that next season he will not wear the club’s shirt. The champion closes his season for matchday 38 of Ligue 1 when he receives Clermont on Saturday at 4:00 p.m., in what will be the farewell to the Argentine star from Paris.
“I have had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. This Saturday will be his last game at the Parc des Princes, and I hope he receives the warmest of welcomes. This year he has been an important part of the team, he has always been available. I don’t think any of the comments or criticisms are justified. When you have a season with the World Cup on the horizon and you end up with stats of 21 goals and 20 assists…he has always been there for the team. It has been a great privilege to accompany him throughout the season ”,
acknowledged Galtier, who also does not know if he will continue in his position at the head of the team, although he has already assured that he wants to continue.
Messi arrived at PSG two years ago, in August 2021, with the clear objective of lifting the first Champions League for the French team. Which he did not achieve, his first season was difficult, it was difficult for him to adapt and although in the second he was a key part of the team, he was not enough and the club was eliminated in the round of 16. Messi reaped 21 goals and 20 assists in 41 games this season and leaves the club with three titles: two leagues and one Super Cup.
After the World Cup in Qatar, it seemed that the player and the club would activate that extra year, but as the weeks went by, the positions drifted apart. Even the Argentine was sanctioned after traveling to Saudi Arabia without permission, but his punishment was quickly lifted after he apologized on social networks. This Saturday, with a full Parque de los Príncipes, with the return of the ultras to the stadium, with a title that will not be held due to Sergio Rico’s serious state of health, Messi will put on the PSG jersey for the last time.
The 35-year-old footballer, seven times Ballon d’Or and world champion with Argentina in 2022, will lower various offers, a pharaonic from Saudi Arabia, the largest contract in football history. But there are other options, such as returning to Barcelona or signing for Inter Miami.
Messi’s situation, with Barcelona as a priority
According to information that TyC Sports was able to access, the Catalan club could not make progress in recent days while seeking approval of the financial plan that it presented to La Liga, necessary to definitively direct the return of the club’s greatest idol, who will turn 36 on next 24/6. As it is, the story is stretching out too long. Messi’s entourage believed that by now they were going to have Barcelona’s offer on the table, but the green light from La Liga is waiting and the president Joan Laporta cannot formalize the proposal.
In the middle, through statements by Xavi, the Catalans exerted media pressure that could hardly benefit them in the negotiation, knowing the personality of the Argentine captain. As in the golden days of football society at the Camp Nou, the now DT wanted to pass the ball to him. “There is no doubt that he would contribute a lot to us, but it basically depends on his personal decision. With the relationship I have with him, I think I have been very clear, the doors are open here,” he said in dialogue with the newspaper Sport.
What Christophe Galtier said after the consecration of PSG in Ligue 1
After the draw with RC Strasbourg 1-1, with a goal from Leo Messi, Paris Saint-Germain already secured a new title in Ligue 1. Although this year it was not all celebrations at PSG, which suffered many crises and could not succeed on an international level. After the consecration, Christophe Galtier showed all his happiness for the championship and also made his request clear:
“I deserve a second season at PSG.”
“Nationally, the season is a success: we are champions! Disaster seasons are when PSG has not been champion. Although it may seem obvious, being champion is a great performance! Twice PSG has not been! Those They are difficult seasons”, said the coach at a press conference. “I repeat it one more time because nobody wants to hear it, but it was a very special season. We had to stay the course even when we thought everyone had their heads under water. I pay tribute to my players who have not given up. I am very happy! and I don’t want us to trivialize this title!”, he also added.
He finally made clear his desire to continue and be able to fulfill his contract. “I think I deserve a second season at PSG, I have given everything with a lot of energy. I was able to stay the course in very difficult moments. I personally feel that I deserve to continue”, closed the DT.
