Lionel Messi breaks silence on PSG exit as three clubs compete for summer deal

Lionel Messi has bid farewell to Paris Saint-Germain in a brief statement after the French club confirmed he would leave at the end of the season.

Messi helped PSG win two successive Ligue 1 titles after joining on a free transfer from Barcelona in July 2021.

The 35-year-old, who lifted the World Cup with Argentina last year, scored 32 goals in 74 games for Paris Saint-Germain.

‘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,’ he told PSG’s official website.

In a separate interview, Messi said: ‘I am happy to have been able to represent PSG – I really enjoyed playing on this team and with such good players. I want to thank the club for a wonderful experience in Paris.’

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chairman and CEO of Paris Saint-Germain, added: ‘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.’

Messi intends to keep playing following his departure from the French capital and has attracted substantial interest from three parties.

Barcelona are looking into the possibility of re-signing the Camp Nou legend, who won 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues at the club.

But Barca face fierce competition from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal – who are willing to offer a deal worth £2bn – and MLS side Inter Miami.

Discussing his interest in signing Messi earlier this week, Barcelona boss Xavi said: ‘The priorities are very clear, I would really like Messi to return.

‘[Messi] knows that and I have spoken with him. From there, Leo aside, the other priority is a midfielder [to replace the departing Sergio Busquets] in the ideal scenario.’

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