Seven times Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi’s era in French Ligue 1 has come to an end as he departs Paris Saint Germain after their last game against Clermont.
Messi leaves the club as a two-time Ligue 1 Champion even after he couldn’t lead the French giants beyond the Round of 16 of the Champions League for two consecutive seasons.
Winning the Ligue 1 trophy has made him the Player in football history to have the most goals in Europe’s top 5 leagues with 496 goals as well as winning 43 trophies in his career.
Manager for PSG, Christopher Galtier who also exits with the star commended his readiness and availability for the team and he disarmed criticisms against him as not justifiable.
“This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.”
“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. He’s always been there for the team. It’s been a great privilege to accompany him throughout the season.” He said.
Messi has wished the French champions the best in the future without him and lauded their reception.
“Thanks to the club, the city of Paris and its residents for these two years and I wish them the best in the future” he stated
The top-rated striker has scored 32 goals in 74 games in all competitions for PSG, as well as 35 assists. In this very season, Lionel Messi has contributed 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season which earned them the Ligue 1 trophy.
This season has been a fruitful one as he won the long-yearned Men’s World Cup trophy in Qatar which has been the icing on the cake for his career. He also won major honors which include: World Cup Final Player of the Match, World Cup Golden Ball winner, The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2022, 2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, Ligue 1 winner, and Most goals all time in Europe’s top five leagues (496).
Lionel Messi joined the French champions in 2021 as a free agent after Barcelona’s financial issues knocked him out. The future of the legend is not yet determined as rumours have tipped him to end up in Saudi Arabia or Barcelona depending on their deal with Inter Miami.