Lionel Messi's arrival two years ago, donning a T-shirt proudly displaying 'Ici C'est Paris' (This Is Paris) - a beloved chant among Paris Saint-Germain fans - was met with a chorus of 'Messi! Messi! Messi!'
Heartbreaking Announcement: Lionel Messi's Farewell Game with Paris Saint-Germain Confirmed for Saturday, June 3rd
The highly anticipated news has been officially confirmed by coach Christophe Galtier and those familiar with the matter: Argentine forward Lionel Messi will be playing his last match with the prestigious Parisian football club, Paris Saint-Germain, this coming Saturday. On this momentous occasion, PSG is scheduled to host a home game against Clermont.
Reflecting on the memories, it feels like just yesterday when Lionel Messi first arrived two years ago, donning a T-shirt emblazoned with the powerful slogan "Ici C'est Paris" (This Is Paris) – a beloved chant among passionate Paris Saint-Germain fans. The stadium would erupt with thunderous chants of "Messi! Messi! Messi!" as a testament to their adoration for the legendary player.
Lionel Messi, who has scored 21 goals and provided 20 assists for PSG across all competitions this season, is set to play his final game for the French club on Saturday, June 3rd, as confirmed by coach Christophe Galtier and insiders. Despite his remarkable performance, the 35-year-old Argentine superstar has not yet renewed his contract with the Ligue 1 champions.
The cheers that once echoed through the stands have now been replaced by jeers and boos in recent weeks at the Parc des Princes, where Messi will bid farewell to the French league. Despite winning the Ballon d'Or awards seven times and clinching the Ligue 1 titles in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons with PSG, as well as the French Super Cup in July 2022, his time in France has been bittersweet.
PSG recruited Messi in August 2021 with the ambition of finally winning the Champions League, but that goal remains unachieved. Although they secured their record-extending 11th French league title last weekend, they exited Europe's top tournament in the round of 16 for the second consecutive season.
Messi's adventure in France has been a mixture of highs and lows. Despite initially struggling to adapt to the French league, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner improved this season as he developed an efficient understanding with forward Kylian Mbappé. However, after a promising start to the current campaign, Messi failed to maintain his form following his return from winning the World Cup with Argentina.
Despite the support from coach Galtier, PSG's overall appreciation of Messi has not always been positive. Last month, the club suspended him after an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia, where he has a commercial contract to promote tourism and has been linked with a lucrative move at the end of the season.
There have also been talks of a potential return to Barcelona, where he spent the majority of his career, or a move to the United States to play in MLS. Messi arrived at Barcelona at the age of 13 and left with an incredible haul of 35 titles, including four Champions League trophies, ten Spanish league titles, and seven Copa del Rey triumphs.
