After a two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Lionel Messi, one of football’s greatest legends, is set to bid farewell to the French club in his final match this weekend.
Despite arriving at PSG with much fanfare and high expectations, Messi’s time in Paris has been marked by a mixture of cheers, jeers, and unfulfilled ambitions.
The End of an Era
Christophe Galtier, PSG’s coach, confirmed on Thursday that Messi’s last match for the club will take place on Saturday against Clermont. With Messi’s contract expiring at the end of June, this game marks the closing chapter of his PSG journey.
When Messi joined PSG in August 2021, the club had grand aspirations of finally capturing the elusive UEFA Champions League trophy. However, their dreams were dashed once again as they exited the prestigious tournament in the round of 16, leaving PSG and their fans disappointed.
A Bittersweet Adventure
During his time in France, Messi’s performances have been bittersweet. Initially struggling to adapt to the demands of the French league, he faced criticism as his goal tally lagged behind expectations.
However, Messi steadily improved as the season progressed, forming a formidable partnership with young sensation Kylian Mbappe.
Improved Performance
In 31 league matches, the 35-year-old Argentine maestro has notched an impressive 16 goals and provided an equal number of assists.
In all competitions, Messi has scored 21 times and contributed 20 assists to the team’s cause. Despite his statistical contributions, some PSG fans have expressed their dissatisfaction by sarcastically whistling his name during recent matches.
Galtier’s Support
Criticism has been directed towards Messi’s time at PSG, but coach Christophe Galtier has consistently supported the football legend, acknowledging his dedication and professionalism.
Galtier has emphasized that Messi has played a significant role in the team, consistently showing availability and commitment during training sessions. According to Galtier, there is no valid justification for the comments or criticisms surrounding Messi.
Controversies and Future Speculations
However, Messi’s journey at PSG has not been without its controversies. Last month, the club suspended him after he made an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia.
Speculations about his future destination have been rife, with suggestions of a potential return to his beloved Barcelona or a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, where he could continue his illustrious career.
A Legacy of Success
Messi’s departure from PSG signifies the end of a chapter in his storied career. Having joined Barcelona at the tender age of 13, he left the Catalan club with an astonishing collection of 35 titles.
Among his accomplishments were four UEFA Champions League triumphs, ten Spanish league titles, and seven Copa del Rey victories.
