It has long been anticipated that Lionel Messi will depart Paris Saint-Germain this summer, and the news has now been confirmed by the club’s Head Coach, Christophe Galtier. Speaking to the media ahead of PSG’s final Ligue 1 game against Clermont, the Frenchman said that ‘this will be his last match at the Parc des Princes and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.‘
The Argentine forward moved to the French capital two seasons ago, and has guided les Parisiens to successive Ligue 1 titles. It appeared that a deal to extend his stay by an additional year had been reached after the World Cup, but both parties have backtracked on that decision – meaning the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will depart the club as a free agent.
Rumours of a return to Barcelona remain, though experts don’t believe the Catalan side have the financial firepower to sign Messi without breaching FFP regulations. It is understood that Inter Miami may be involved should Messi return to Barcelona – as the MLS side would be able to sign him, and then loan him out on a year-long deal.
Alternatively, Messi could head to Saudi Arabia. While the move doesn’t seem to have worked out for Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi is already a tourism ambassador for the country – and tying him down to a deal could help to promote the government’s joint bid for the 2030 World Cup, which would be held in co-operation with Türkiye and Greece.
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