Galtier confirms Messi’s PSG exit

Star footballer Lionel Messi will play his final game for French club Paris St Germain against Clermont on Saturday, coach Christophe Galtier said on Thursday.

Messi has notched up 16 goals and as many assists in Ligue 1 this season but the World Cup-winner could move to Saudi Arabia in order to pursue a new challenge. 

"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," Galtier told reporters on Thursday.

"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."

Earlier this month, PSG suspended Messi for two weeks for missing a training session to travel to Saudi Arabia.

Messi was not allowed to train or participate in matches with the first team and was not paid during his suspension.

According to details, PSG manager Christophe Galtier told his players that they would be given two days off, Monday and Tuesday, if they win against Lorient on Sunday, April 30, but they were called in for training on Monday, May 1, in case of a loss.

“Messi, 35, asked if he would be allowed to travel to the Arab gulf to honour his sponsorship deal as a Saudi ambassador, and Galtier and sporting director Luis Campos gave him the green light to go in the result of a win or draw, but not a defeat,” ESPN stated.

“However, following PSG's humbling 3-1 defeat to Lorient, Messi flew to Saudi Arabia without asking again for permission, sources told ESPN, meaning he could not attend training on Monday.

“Sources told ESPN the situation created tensions within the dressing room, with some players unhappy with the incident.”

Messi had signed for PSG from Barcelona in 2021 on a two-year contract.

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