PSG deny Messi's imminent exit despite manager's comments

Paris Saint-Germain have issued a statement backtracking on manager Christophe Galtier’s comments about Lionel Messi’s exit from the club, saying the manager made a mistake with his claims. 

Galtier had earlier spoken about Messi’s exit from PSG in a pre-match interview ahead of the final Ligue 1 game of the season against Clermont Foot saying, “I had a privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. It will be Leo’s last match at the Parc des Princes against Clermont.

“I hope he’ll be welcomed in the best possible way. He was an important part of the team this season and was always available. I don’t find the remarks and criticism to be justified.”

His statement appeared to put to bed months of speculation concerning Messi’s continuity at the club, but it has now been branded a slip of the tongue by the club. 

Galtier’s claims that Messi will play his last game for the club this weekend, have now been refuted by PSG, which retracted the manager’s statement. 

As per AFP, the club claimed that Galtier only meant to say that it would be Mess’s final game at Parc de Princes this season, opening up speculation that the Argentine could continue at the club beyond this summer. 

Messi’s time at PSG is believed to have come to an end despite the club’s claims, with rumours of a move to Barcelona or Saudi Arabia intensifying after the Argentine was suspended by Les Parisiens for an unauthorised trip last month.