Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates with fans after winning the 2022 World Cup final against France at Lusail Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
Soccer: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022-Argentina vs France
(New York, NY) — Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier announced Thursday that Lionel Messi is leaving the club after two years.
The former Barcelona forward and PSG had the option of extending his two-year deal another year, but the clause could only be activated if both parties wished to continue their relationship.
“I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. He’s always been there for the team. It’s been a great privilege to accompany him throughout the season.”
The announcement comes after rumors surfaced that Messi was considering a move to Saudi Arabian Pro League’s Al Hilal. Messi was suspended for two weeks last month following an unsanctioned weekend trip to Saudi Arabia.
It was reported in May that a potential move to Al Hilal would pay Messi as much as $400 million annually (Messi’s longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, made a similar multimillion dollar move to the Saudi Pro League this past winter to play for club Al-Nassr, where he reportedly pockets $213 million per season).
This weekend’s Paris Saint-Germain game will be Messi’s last for the club. Messi has tallied 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season; the Ligue 1 champions secured an 11th league title last weekend. Their 2022-23 campaign will conclude against Clermont Foot on Saturday night.
