Lionel Messi will play his final game for Paris St-Germain against Clermont on Saturday, says manager Christophe Galtier. BBC Sport reported in May that the 35-year-old Argentina forward would leave when his contract ends this summer. Messi, who joined on a free transfer from Barcelona in July 2021, has helped PSG win two successive Ligue 1 titles and has captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup.
Last month, security was increased at the homes of Messi, forward Neymar, midfielder Marco Verratti and Galtier following protests from fans after a defeat by Lorient and Messi being suspended for two weeks after travelling to Saudi Arabia without PSG’s permission. He later apologised to his team-mates.
Messi and PSG had reached an agreement in principle to extend his stay by a year before changing their minds. He has 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, and 32 goals in 74 matches for the club overall. However, PSG have been knocked out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage in the past two seasons.
Spanish football writer Guillem Balague said Messi is set to make a decision on his future soon but will not return to Barcelona, the club where he spent 21 years. As he plays his final game for PSG against Clermont on Saturday, manager Christophe Galtier said: “I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.”