Lionel Messi to leave Paris Saint-Germain, World Cup winner to weigh next career move

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Over the past few weeks, there has been increasing speculation about Lionel Messi's future. 

But on Thursday, Paris Saint-Germain head coach Christophe Galtier put some of the rumors to bed by confirming that the superstar player will leave the club when his contract expires this summer.

Two years ago, Messi arrived wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with "Ici C’est Paris" ("This Is Paris") – a favorite cry among Paris Saint-Germain fans. 

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Argentina's Lionel Messi warms up for the World Cup final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, on Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Early on, the fan base was energized by Messi's presence, but those cheers later turned to jeers and boos. The World Cup winner to bow out in PSG's league finale against Clermont on Saturday.

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"I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of soccer," Galtier said. "This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes."

PSG recruited Messi in August 2021 with the ambition to finally win the Champions League. But the team has yet to achieve that goal. 

Lionel Messi of Argentina drives the ball during the World Cup match with Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium on November 22, 2022, in Lusail, Qatar. (Florencia Tan Jun/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Although PSG won its record-extending 11th French league title last weekend, it exited Europe’s top tournament in the round of 16 for the second straight season.

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