Lionel Messi: The fever dream of a transfer that saw Lionel Messi join Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 seems to be coming to a conclusion. This duo has never clicked and even after having the trio of Mbappe, Messi, and Neymar – PSG failed to bag the UEFA Champions League. Now, it has been confirmed by PSG coach, Christophe Galtier that Messi will be playing in his last home game against Clermont Foot. Reports also say that PSG has found Messi’s replacement as they look to rope Marco Asensio from Real Madrid. Follow Lionel Messi Updates on InsideSport.IN
Also Read: Neymar-PSG: PSG takes strong stance against fans’ Inappropriate Behavior towards Messi & Neymar, CONDEMNS supporters who chanted for Brazilian striker to LEAVE outside his house – Check Out
This coming weekend, Lionel Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain, according to manager Christophe Galtier. The 35-year-old Argentine legend will formally depart the Ligue 1 powerhouses when his contract expires following two disappointing seasons.
Galtier has now disclosed the date of Messi’s final game, the 2022 World Cup champion. The Head Coach said, ‘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.’
On Saturday, PSG will play eighth-placed Clermont after already winning the Ligue 1 championship, their ninth in as many years. The reigning Champions League champions from France had believed that Messi’s addition, along with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, would bring about the long-awaited victory in the UEFA Champions League. But Messi was unable to work enough magic to end PSG’s losing streak in Europe.
Marco Asensio to Paris-Saint Germain?
A five-year contract with PSG, according to AS, is about to be finalized by Asensio, who will make his final appearance for Messi’s former rivals Real Madrid against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. High-flying Aston Villa were willing to go above and beyond to sign the 27-year-old as their summer headline signing.
However, it appears that Asensio was persuaded to travel to Paris by the allure of playing in the Champions League. PSG will be hoping he can lead them to a long-overdue championship using his knowledge gained from winning the competition.
This summer, Asensio has also been connected to Liverpool and Chelsea. In 285 games for Real Madrid, Asensio scored 61 goals and contributed 32 assists. Real Madrid wanted to keep the midfielder. However, the 35-cap Spain international was unhappy with being a bit-part player under Carlo Ancelotti and wants a new challenge with PSG.
Lionel Messi return to FC Barcelona?
A return to FC Barcelona cannot be ruled out for Leo Messi now. The Argentine spent his whole life at the club, before having to make the move to PSG in 2021. Barcelona’s vice-president Rafael Yuste has said Barca has been in contact with Lionel Messi and his agent and has confirmed Barca’s interest in bringing Leo back.
Yuste said, ‘Leo and his family know the affection I have for them. I participated in the negotiations which unfortunately did not lead to a certain result. I’ve always had and I have this thorn in my side that Leo couldn’t continue at our club. Messi knows how much we appreciate him. I would love for him to come back. We’re in contact, of course, with them.’
Additionally, manager Xavi stated that the club is in “permanent contact” with his former teammate, suggesting a comeback may be forthcoming. Xavi said, ‘Messi knows that Barcelona is his home and the doors are open, I said this many times. He’s my friend — we are in permanent contact, a potential return will only depend on him. Leo is the best player in history, he’d always fit in.’
It has long been rumored that Leo Messi is keen to join old pal Xavi at Barcelona for the next season. A lot will depend on whether Barcelona can clear funds at their end to sign their legend. But, that is not the only interest there if for Messi.
Other options for Messi?
David Beckham’s Inter Miami is also another club that is interested in Leo. It’s reported a Saudi Arabian side has offered Messi a staggering £1 BILLION to join arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East. Messi has not yet decided what he is going to do but looking at how he has been playing lately, you would say that he does have a couple of years remaining in Europe.
Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow Lionel Messi Updates on InsideSport.IN
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Rishabh Pant once again "most expensive", sold for 33 Cr to PBKS at IPL Mock Auction
Top Stories
