Messi set to leave PSG despite Ligue 1 title

Messi set to leave PSG despite Ligue 1 title

Ayoola Kelechi 07:00 - 28.05.2023

PSG's title celebrations have been dampened by the potential departure of Lionel Messi

Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi is reportedly set to leave the club despite helping them clinch the Ligue 1 title. 

Messi helps PSG to consecutive titles

Messi scored PSG’s only goal in the 1-1 draw against Strasbourg on Saturday to ensure Les Parisiens were crowned champions of Ligue 1 for the 11th time in their history, and the second time in a row since he signed for the club. 

His 16th goal of the season also saw him reach 32 goal contributions in Ligue 1 this season and become the top scorer in the history of the top five European leagues. 

Despite the undeniable success with PSG, the Argentine forward is still set to leave the club when his current deal ends in June, and will not be extending his deal beyond the 2023 summer transfer window. 

Messi headed for PSG exit

Messi joined PSG in 2021 on a free transfer from Barcelona and has helped the club to successive league titles, scoring 32 goals and assisting 35 more in 75 games in all competitions, but has still been labelled an outcast by Les Parisiens’ fans. 

The team’s failures in Europe and the Coupe de France have been laid squarely on Messi’s shoulders, with the player often getting booed this season during home fixtures. 

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The breakdown in Messi’s relationship with the fans has led to the Argentine seeking an exit from the club, and he is almost certain to depart France in the summer. 

A return to Barcelona is the most likely option for Messi, although the financial implications of a deal to take Messi back to the Spotify Camp Nou might be too great for the Blaugrana to bear. 

This could lead the 35-year-old forward to accept a lucrative deal to play in Saudi Arabia, reportedly with Al-Hilal. 

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