Lionel Messi will leave PSG at the end of the season, with the Argentinian star set to sign off his time at the French champions against Clermont Foot on Saturday.
PSG manager Christophe Galtier confirmed the news ahead of his side’s final Ligue 1 match of the season.
“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 against Clermont,” he said.
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Messi has been linked with a host of clubs, including a surprise return to Barcelona after two years away. A blockbuster move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal has also been mooted, as has a switch to MLS side Inter Miami.
Despite winning successive league titles at PSG, Lionel Messi has not always enjoyed a strong connection with the fans.
He was forced to apologize in May after being suspended by the club for two weeks following an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia, which led to protests from supporters. He has also faced jeers from the stands on occasion.
PSG clinched a record 11th Ligue 1 title last week, with Lionel Messi breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoring record for Europe’s top five leagues with his 496th career league goal.
Messi captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup and, following his return from the tournament appeared set to stay at PSG.
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The two parties reached an agreement in principle to extend his stay by a year before changing their minds.
Lionel Messi has 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, and 32 goals in 74 matches for the club overall.
PSG have been knocked out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage in the past two seasons.
Spanish football writer Guillem Balague said Messi is set to make a decision on his future soon but will not return to Barcelona, the club where he spent 21 years.
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