PARIS – Lionel Messi will play his last game for Paris Saint-Germain against Clermont on Saturday, coach Christophe Galtier said on Thursday as he called on fans to give the Argentinian forward a warm send-off at the Parc des Princes.
Messi, who has 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, moved to the French capital from Barcelona in 2021 on a two-year contract.
The 35-year-old, who led Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar and also boasts a record seven Ballon d’Or awards, won the Ligue 1 title in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons as well as the French Super Cup last July.
“I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football,” Galtier said.
“This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.”
In May, French media reported that Messi was suspended for two weeks after an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia when he was supposed to train with his team following their 3-1 home defeat by Lorient in the league.
“This year, he has been an important part of the team, always available. I don’t think any of the comments or criticisms are justified,” Galtier said.
“He’s always been there for the team. It’s been a great privilege to accompany him throughout the season.”
Messi’s future at PSG had been the subject of speculation recently, with a source close to the Argentina captain telling Reuters that he had received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal next season.
He has also been linked in the media with a move back to boyhood club Barcelona, with the United States’ Major League Soccer club Inter Miami also touted as a possible destination.
Messi’s last game for PSG is unlikely to be a joyous affair, with Galtier saying that their title celebrations would be put on ice with the distraught squad’s thoughts occupied with concern for goalkeeper Sergio Rico, who is seriously injured.
Rico was involved in a riding accident while participating in an annual pilgrimage in Spain on Sunday, the day after PSG wrapped up the title with one game to spare following a 1-1 draw at Strasbourg.
The 29-year-old Spaniard has been in intensive care after suffering “a serious mishap due to a mule cart and a horse that hit him”, his family said in a statement on Sunday.
Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Rico had been riding a horse himself.
“There will be no celebrations, it’s been a very difficult week,” Galtier said.
“We’re all affected because we went from winning the French title on Saturday to waking up in more than a little pain on Sunday.” REUTERS
