LIGUE 1
Leo Messi’s PSG adventure comes to an end
The French club confirmed that the Argentine striker will leave the Parc des Princes as of 30 June.
After PSG announced that Sergio Ramos is set to depart the Parc des Princes, Leo Messi is set to be the next high profile player to leave the French club. “PSG is proud to have had the best footballer of all time among its ranks...”.
Messi moved to Paris in August 2021 and leaves with three titles under his arm but without being able to help the French team to complete their long-awaited dream of winning the Champions League.
PSG posted the following message on their social network:
‘On 29th August 2021, in Reims, Ligue 1 lapped up La Pulga’s big debut in French football. 74 appearances later, the Argentine ace has left a mark on France and on Europe with his talent, scoring 32 goals – the first of which came against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on 28th September 2021 – as well as notching up 35 assists for Paris Saint-Germain.
Having been crowned a French league champion in his first year in the capital, the no. 30 also took home France Football’s prestigious Ballon d’Or award over the course of that same season – the seventh of an immense career.
A winner of the recent FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Argentina captain has also shone for Paris Saint-Germain throughout the 2022–23 season. On top of his 16 goals in 31 Ligue 1 games, he is the league’s top assist provider, with 16 assists to his name, just shy of the record set by his compatriot Angel Di María (18). Winner of the recent FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Argentina captain also shone at Paris Saint-Germain during the 2022-23 season.
In addition to his 16 goals in 31 Ligue 1 games, he is the league’s leading assist provider, with 16 assists to his name, just shy of the record set by compatriot Ángel Di María (18). Against Strasbourg on matchday 37 of Ligue 1, Messi once again wrote his name in the history books by scoring his 496th goal in Europe’s top five leagues, thus setting another incredible record.
Against Strasbourg on Matchday 37 of Ligue 1, Messi wrote his name even further into the history books by scoring his 496th goal in Europe’s top five leagues, thereby setting another incredible record.
Paris Saint-Germain is proud to have had the greatest footballer of all time within its ranks and, with some emotion, wishes Leo many more successes for the rest of his career.
Merci and adieu
Messi himself issued a brief statement claiming: “I would like to thank the club, the city of Paris and its people for these two years. I wish you all the best for the future”.
“I would like to thank Leo Messi for his two seasons in Paris. To see a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner in the Rouge & Bleu and at Parc des Princes, winning back-to-back Ligue 1 titles and inspiring our younger players has been a pleasure.” said Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman and CEO of Paris Saint-Germain. “His contribution to Paris Saint-Germain and Ligue 1 cannot be understated and we wish Leo and his family all the best for the future.”
What’s next for Leo?
There seems to be three viable options open for the player from Rosario... a return to Camp Nou, a move to Saudi Arabia or a spell in MLS.
Camp Nou
Despite clear interest from the club and former teammate Xavi Hernandez, now Barcelona head coach, a return looks difficult. Barça may have returned to the top of LaLiga this season but they remain in a precarious position. Not only could they not offer Messi a contract anywhere near his offer from Saudi, they may not be able to offer him a contract at all.
Saudi Arabia
With Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, there is a chance for both players to rekindle that rivalry.
Messi has reportedly been offered an astonishing billion-dollar contract to move to the Saudi top flight. Reports suggest that Messi could sign a two-year deal worth $1.1 billion to play for Al-Hilal, who were previously in the running to sign Ronaldo.
Miami
Barcelona-based SPORT report that Inter Miami have approached Messi’s entourage with a lucrative four-year deal that promises other top signings to strengthen their sporting offer. A move to MLS may suit Messi at this point in the career, offering the chance to play in a competitive league that would not be too physically demanding.