Messi’s PSG exit confirmed as Barcelona ‘snubbed’ and £1bn Saudi deal ‘accepted’

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Paris Saint-Germain head coach Christophe Galtier has confirmed that Lionel Messi will be leaving the French giants on a free transfer at the end of the season, amid reports that he could join his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. Messi’s relationship with PSG became fractured after an unauthorised visit to the Middle East, as his time in France is set to come to an end.

Galtier spoke during his pre-match press conference and admitted that PSG’s final game of the season at home to Clermont on Saturday would be the Argentine’s last for the club.

“I’ve had the privilege of managing the best player of all time. It’ll be his last match at the Parc des Princes, I hope he’ll be welcomed in the best possible way,” Galtier said. “He was an important part of the team this season, and was always available. I don’t find the remarks and criticism to be justified.”

There was an option for PSG to extend Messi’s contract for a further year, but having been suspended by the club for the trip to Saudi Arabia – where he is an ambassador – it was decided that his deal would not be renewed. The 35-year-old’s next destination could be Saudi Arabia, having reportedly turned down a return to Barcelona.

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His former club made no secret of their desire to bring him back to the Nou Camp, but have had to scramble to offer him a lucrative contract owing to their financial concerns. It was previously reported that several sales needed to be made before Messi could receive a contract, something the club legend had hoped for.

Journalist Guillem Balague told the BBC that Barcelona had made promises to Messi’s camp that a contract would arrive before the end of the season, its absence has forced the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s hand to turn them down. He had hoped to remain in Europe and continue playing the Champions League, but could end up at Al-Hilal instead.

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His father Jorge is said to have already accepted a contract offer at Al-Hilal, where he would net a mouthwatering £518million per year in the region, which would blow Ronaldo’s £173m-a-year deal out of the water. While the duo could also be joined by a host of big names, as Karim Benzema is said to mulling over a blockbuster contract offer.

A third option for Messi could be David Beckham-owned MLS club Inter Miami, who have previously been mentioned as a potential next stop for the world-beater as he already owns property in Miami.

Any team in the world would jump to be Messi’s next club but one thing is for sure – he won’t be staying at PSG.

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