Lionel Messi to leave Paris Saint-Germain after Ligue 1 season finale against Clermont, PSG officially confirm

Lionel Messi is officially leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The French champions confirmed the rumours in a statement on Saturday afternoon, ahead of Sunday's Ligue 1 finale against Clermont. Messi, who joined the club on a free transfer from Barcelona in the summer of 2021, will once again become a free agent when his contract expires next month.

Ad The Argentinian icon gave a short statement: «I would like to thank the club, the city of Paris and its people for these two years. I wish you all the best for the future.» Ligue 1Ramos to leave PSG at the end of the season, following Messi out of Parc des Princes21 HOURS AGO PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi added his own thoughts in glowing terms: «I would like to thank Leo Messi for his two seasons in Paris. To see a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner in the Rouge & Bleu and at Parc des Princes, winning back-to-back Ligue 1 titles and inspiring our younger players has been a pleasure.

His contribution to Paris Saint-Germain and Ligue 1 cannot be understated and we wish Leo and his family all the best for the future.» In his two years at the club, Messi helped the club to win consecutive Ligue 1 titles as well as the 2022 Trophee des Champions. After a slow start in statistical terms, Messi managed 32 goals and 34 assists in 74 total appearances for the club. He was awarded a record seventh Ballon d'Or in 2021.

He also led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar last December. Last month, Messi passed long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo to become the all-time leading scorer in Europe's top five leagues. Messi's exit means that he will miss a chance to revive that rivalry given that PSG's next scheduled match is a friendly against Ronaldo's Al-Nassr at the end of July.