Paris Saint Germain have sent out their appreciation to Lionel Messi, just a few days after manager Christophe Galtier confirmed the exit of the Argentine star.
Galtier in a presser ahead of the clash with The Lancers on Saturday revealed that Messi would be playing his last game for the side in PSG’s home clash against Clermont Foot.
The Parisians took to Instagram to “extend its warmest” appreciation to Lionel Messi for his wonderful input to the club whilst he represented them.
PSG shared a video of Lionel Messi which included the 35-year-old’s unveiling and many of his breathtaking goals.
The 11-time winners of the Ligue 1 captioned the post with: “The club would like to extend its warmest thanks to the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who also lifted the Trophée des Champions and two Ligue 1 titles with The Red and Blues.”
In the pre-match presser where Christophe Galtier revealed Messi’s exit, he also spoke about how he had the opportunity of coaching the best player in the history of football.
Galtier said: “Clermont Foot will be Messi’s final game at PSG, I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. It will be Leo’s last match at the Parc des Princes.”
Despite not landing the coveted UEFA Champions League title, PSG still appreciate Lionel Messi for his contributions to the club.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner ended his two year stint in Paris on a losing note as PSG lost 2-3 to Clermont Foot at the Parc des Princes.
Messi joined Paris Saint Germain in August 2021 from Barcelona on a free transfer and he was thrown into the starting XI almost immediately by former boss Mauricio Pochettino.
He made his debut for The Red and Blues in a 2-0 win over Reims replacing Neymar for the remaining 30 minutes of the encounter.
It was established that Lionel Messi’s debut with Paris Saint Germain averaged over 2 million viewers in Spain.
That amount is the highest ever recorded for a French football encounter in Spain.
Cumulatively, over 6.7 million people tuned in to watch PSG’s victory at some point during the entire duration of the clash.
Lionel Messi’s arrival to Paris Saint Germain also resulted in him owning the record for the most jerseys sold in 24 hours, with 820,000 kits sold.
He won two Ligue 1 titles with the capital based club and one Trophée des Champions.
The Argentine’s next destination is uncertain but according to reports, he has attracted the interest of Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
Al Hilal is reported to have tabled a staggering offer of £320 million yearly for Lionel Messi.
David Beckham’s Inter Miami are also said to be interested in securing the services of Lionel Messi who clocks 36 on the 24th of June.
Additionally, a return to FC Barcelona has also been mooted but it is uncertain if Barcelona have the financial capacity to pay the Argentine who is currently a free agent.
It is certainly going to be a busy summer in view for the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner whose father has said that a decision on his future would be made after the expiration of the season.
Lionel Messi also sent out his appreciation and best wishes to PSG following his departure from the club, Messi told PSG’s official website: “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.”
The Argentine scored 32 goals and provided 35 assists in 75 matches for Paris Saint Germain.
