Coach Galtier confirms Messi departure at Paris Saint-Germain

Lionel Messi is leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The Argentine striker will play his last game for the champions of France next Saturday against Clermont, his coach Christophe Galtier confirmed at a press conference today.

Messi’s departure was in the air. Speculation about the Argentine world champion’s soccer future has been rife for some time. Barcelona coach Xavi is eager to bring Messi back, but the French news agency AFP previously reported that the Argentine star soccer player is already in talks with a club in Saudi Arabia, for which he is tourist ambassador. He would go on to earn around 360 million euros a year there.

Last month, a lot of criticism of Messi erupted in France when it was revealed that he had been suspended for two weeks by the club after an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia when he should have been training at his club after the 3-1 home defeat against Lorient.

“He has been an important part of the team this year,” Galtier spoke. “All these comments are out of place as far as I’m concerned. He has always been there for the club. It was an honor to work with him and coach the best player in history. This will be his last game at the Parc de Princes. I hope he gets a warm farewell.”