Messi shows big sign that the end is near as PSG manager speaks out

Messi world's highest paid athlete with Ronaldo also featuring in Top 10

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Paris Saint-Germain head coach Christopher Galtier hinted that Lionel Messi’s career is winding down after the forward felt ‘tired’ during the Ligue 1 club’s Champions League clash with Benfica. Messi requested to be substituted during the 1-1 draw, in which he scored a wonderful goal. 

The former Barcelona star curled home a magnificent effort to put the French side 1-0 ahead before Danilo Pereira scored an own goal. But Messi’s need to manage his game time as his career enters its final few years was clear in the second half. 

Messi, who turned 35 in June, requested to be substituted, according to his boss Galtier. The 56-year-old revealed that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner ‘felt tired’ as he asked to come off, and was replaced by Pablo Sarabia in the 81st minute. 

There were concerns in the French media that Messi had suffered an injury. But Galtier insisted: “He signalled that he wanted to come off. On the final sprint, he felt tired. He came off as he was tired and a fresher teammate was a far more interesting option at that moment.“

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The Argentina captain has enjoyed a successful season so far, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists in 13 appearances across all competitions. He appears to be enjoying his football more than he did under former boss Mauricio Pochettino. 

It comes in a week when Messi has been strongly linked with a return to Barcelona next summer. His contract expires at the end of the season, and club director Eduard Romeo has claimed that an emotional comeback to the Nou Camp would be possible with Messi as a free agent. 

“It would be possible financially because if he returned, it would be as a free agent,” Romeu told Catalunya Radio on Wednesday. 

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“But it’s a decision which has to be made by the coaching staff and the player. It doesn’t correspond to me [to make those decisions], but it would be viable.”

However, Barca head coach Xavi has told fans to leave Messi ‘in peace’ and to allow him to enjoy his time in Paris. The former Spain midfielder said last week: “With Leo, let’s see, but it’s not the moment to talk about it right now. 

“You know the love I have for him. He is a friend and I will always wish him the best. Barca is his home, but we’re not doing him any favours speaking about [his future], either. Let’s leave him in peace to enjoy his time in Paris and wish him all the best.”

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