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Christophe Galtier confirms Lionel Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer

Galtier confirms Messi will leave PSG this summer
© Reuters
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Christophe Galtier confirms that Lionel Messi will leave the club on a free transfer at the end of June.

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Christophe Galtier has confirmed that Lionel Messi will leave the club on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of June.

The 35-year-old has made 40 appearances for the French giants this season, scoring 21 goals and contributing 40 assists in the process.

Messi has managed 16 goals and 16 assists during his side's title-winning Ligue 1 campaign, but Saturday's contest with Clermont will prove to be his final game for the Paris outfit.

"I've had the privilege of managing the best player of all time. It'll be his last match at the Parc des Princes, I hope he'll be welcomed in the best possible way," Galtier told reporters during his press conference.

"He was an important part of the team this season, and was always available. I don't find the remarks and criticism to be justified."

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal on April 8, 2023© Reuters

Messi signed a two-year contract with PSG following his departure from Barcelona in the summer of 2021, and he has represented the club on 74 occasions, scoring 32 goals and registering 35 assists.

There is currently a host of speculation surrounding the Argentine's next move, and it had been thought that Barcelona were emerging as the favourites to re-sign him.

However, a recent report claimed that the Catalan giants are yet to make an official offer for the Argentine, who could instead continue his career in Saudi Arabia or the MLS.

Barcelona's ongoing financial problems could ultimately cost them the chance to re-sign Messi, who is believed to be keen to remain in European football for at least one more season.

Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022© Reuters

Inter Miami lead the MLS interest in the World Cup winner, while it has been reported that he could earn more than Cristiano Ronaldo by making the move to Saudi Arabia.

There have also been claims that a number of Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on the situation, although there are only a select number capable of affording his salary.

Messi helped Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar towards the end of last year, scoring seven goals and registering three assists at the competition.

At one stage, it appeared likely that the forward would sign a new deal in the French capital, but his relationship with the club has deteriorated in recent months.

Messi will leave PSG having won two Ligue 1 titles and the Trophee des Champions, but the club have again fallen short in the Champions League during the Argentine's time at the club.

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