<p>Argentina's world cup-winning captain Lionel Messi has revealed that he suffered a 'fracture' in relationship with a significant group of Paris Saint-Germain supporters. The football superstar was with the Ligue 1 club from 2021 to 2023. He opted against extending his contract at the end of last season and has joined Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami in the USA.</p>

<p>"Well, I think in the beginning it was something wonderful," Messi said in an interview with beIN Sports. "Same as the reception I had when I arrived. But then some people started to treat me differently, a part of the Paris supporters."</p>

<p>The 35-year-old was jeered after PSG failed to qualify for the Champions League past two seasons. Messi was also booed by the fans after his last game for the Paris-based club.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-pens-heartfelt-post-after-admitting-to-cheating-on-pregnant-girlfriend-losses-80000-followers-608529">Neymar pens heartfelt post after admitting to cheating on pregnant girlfriend, loses 80,000 followers</a></p>

<p>"I think the vast majority still see me and treat me as they did at the beginning, but there was a fracture with a significant group of the Paris fans, which obviously wasn't my intention, far from it. And well, it happened just as it happened before with (Kylian) Mbappe, with Neymar. I know that's the way they behave."</p>

<p>France captain and Messi's PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe had also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-a-shame-kylian-mbappe-says-lionel-messi-didnt-get-respect-in-france-604373">lashed out at PSG fans</a> for not giving deserved respect to Messi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But, well, I'll take away with me the people who respected me, as I always respected everyone since I arrived and that's all. It's an anecdote," added Messi during the interview.</p>

<p>The Argentinian also opined that that the quality in matches went down at the top level following the Qatar World Cup.</p>

<p>"So, I think the World Cup affects everything for different situations, because of the timing in the season," Messi added.</p>

<p>"I don't think it is an excuse, either, because many of the players went to the World Cup, but I think that in general the level of the league or the Champions League has felt a little bit of the wear and tear of the World Cup, even though we won it. Everyone comes back in a different way for different reasons."</p>

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Argentina's world cup-winning captain Lionel Messi has revealed that he suffered a 'fracture' in relationship with a significant group of Paris Saint-Germain supporters.

Argentina's world cup-winning captain Lionel Messi has revealed that he suffered a 'fracture' in relationship with a significant group of Paris Saint-Germain supporters. The football superstar was with the Ligue 1 club from 2021 to 2023. He opted against extending his contract at the end of last season and has joined Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami in the USA. "Well, I think in the beginning it was something wonderful," Messi said in an interview with beIN Sports. "Same as the reception I had when I arrived. But then some people started to treat me differently, a part of the Paris supporters." The 35-year-old was jeered after PSG failed to qualify for the Champions League past two seasons. Messi was also booed by the fans after his last game for the Paris-based club. Also Read: Neymar pens heartfelt post after admitting to cheating on pregnant girlfriend, loses 80,000 followers "I think the vast majority still see me and treat me as they did at the beginning, but there was a fracture with a significant group of the Paris fans, which obviously wasn't my intention, far from it. And well, it happened just as it happened before with (Kylian) Mbappe, with Neymar. I know that's the way they behave." France captain and Messi's PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe had also lashed out at PSG fans for not giving deserved respect to Messi. "But, well, I'll take away with me the people who respected me, as I always respected everyone since I arrived and that's all. It's an anecdote," added Messi during the interview. The Argentinian also opined that that the quality in matches went down at the top level following the Qatar World Cup. "So, I think the World Cup affects everything for different situations, because of the timing in the season," Messi added. "I don't think it is an excuse, either, because many of the players went to the World Cup, but I think that in general the level of the league or the Champions League has felt a little bit of the wear and tear of the World Cup, even though we won it. Everyone comes back in a different way for different reasons." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: Lionel Messi's BOMBSHELL revelation about 'fractured' relationship with PSG fans | READ

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<p>Kylian Mbappe wished his former PSG teammate Lionel Messi on his 36th birthday in a heartfelt note on social media. From rubbing shoulders and sharing the dressing room for two seasons in France to playing against each other in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final in Qatar, Messi and Mbappe had some rapport on and off the field.</p>

<p>On Messi’s 36th birthday on Saturday, June 24, Mbappe, on his Instagram handle, thanked the Argentine superstar and even said he learned a lot from Messi in those two years. The French striker also wished his ex-teammate best wishes for his new venture.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-concacaf-bans-four-players-following-brawl-in-usmnt-mexico-nations-league-semifinal-608274">Football: CONCACAF bans four players following brawl in USMNT-Mexico Nations League semifinal</a></p>

<p>"Happy birthday legend. Thank you for these 2 years together in Paris, I learned a lot from you as a player, partner, opponent and man. For that alone I am thankful. Good luck on your new adventure," Mbappe wrote on Instagram.</p>

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<p>Upon joining the French club from FC Barcelona after spending nearly two decades at Camp Nou, Messi’s two-year tenure with PSG didn’t end the way everyone had hoped for.</p>

<p>After PSG failed to win the Champions League during this time – the same purpose for which Messi joined the club, things started to fall apart between the two. Also, his casual visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this year, worked as a catalyst as he got suspended for the same. Though he issued a public apology for his unapproved visit to the Gulf nation, Messi decided not to renew his contract further.</p>

<p>After PSG lifted the Ligue 1 title this season, Messi, who during his stay in Paris, was often booed by home fans, decided to join USA’s Inter Miami despite several offers from Saudi Arabia and his former club Barcelona.</p>

<h2>Messi on not joining Barcelona</h2>

<p>After joining the MLS team on a free transfer, Messi disclosed why he didn’t go elsewhere. The World Cup winner with Argentina revealed the only reason he didn’t rejoin Barcelona was because of a lack of surety from the club, and after how his exit unfolded in the first place in 2021, Messi feared suffering the same fate again.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Mbappe, the 2018 World Champion, didn’t sign a contract with French giants, and though rumours of him joining Real Madrid this summer did rounds on the internet, Mbappe put everything under the map and confirmed he would stay at PSG for one more season.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Kylian Mbappe wished his former PSG teammate Lionel Messi on his 36th birthday in a heartfelt note on social media. From rubbing shoulders and sharing the dressing room for two seasons in France to playing against each other in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final in Qatar, Messi and Mbappe had some rapport on and off the field.

Kylian Mbappe wished his former PSG teammate Lionel Messi on his 36th birthday in a heartfelt note on social media. From rubbing shoulders and sharing the dressing room for two seasons in France to playing against each other in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final in Qatar, Messi and Mbappe had some rapport on and off the field. On Messi’s 36th birthday on Saturday, June 24, Mbappe, on his Instagram handle, thanked the Argentine superstar and even said he learned a lot from Messi in those two years. The French striker also wished his ex-teammate best wishes for his new venture. ALSO READ: Football: CONCACAF bans four players following brawl in USMNT-Mexico Nations League semifinal "Happy birthday legend. Thank you for these 2 years together in Paris, I learned a lot from you as a player, partner, opponent and man. For that alone I am thankful. Good luck on your new adventure," Mbappe wrote on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kylian Mbappé (@k.mbappe) × Upon joining the French club from FC Barcelona after spending nearly two decades at Camp Nou, Messi’s two-year tenure with PSG didn’t end the way everyone had hoped for. After PSG failed to win the Champions League during this time – the same purpose for which Messi joined the club, things started to fall apart between the two. Also, his casual visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this year, worked as a catalyst as he got suspended for the same. Though he issued a public apology for his unapproved visit to the Gulf nation, Messi decided not to renew his contract further. After PSG lifted the Ligue 1 title this season, Messi, who during his stay in Paris, was often booed by home fans, decided to join USA’s Inter Miami despite several offers from Saudi Arabia and his former club Barcelona. Messi on not joining Barcelona After joining the MLS team on a free transfer, Messi disclosed why he didn’t go elsewhere. The World Cup winner with Argentina revealed the only reason he didn’t rejoin Barcelona was because of a lack of surety from the club, and after how his exit unfolded in the first place in 2021, Messi feared suffering the same fate again. On the other hand, Mbappe, the 2018 World Champion, didn’t sign a contract with French giants, and though rumours of him joining Real Madrid this summer did rounds on the internet, Mbappe put everything under the map and confirmed he would stay at PSG for one more season. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'I learned a lot from you as a player...': Kylian Mbappe's heartfelt birthday post for Lionel Messi

<p>France captain and Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has reflected on his future with the club as he plans to stay in the French capital for the time being. Mbappe, who will captain the French national team as a permanent skipper for the first time, spoke to the media on Thursday, June 15 before his team’s match against Gibraltar in the Euro 2024 qualifier. According to Mbappe, PSG remain the only option for him at the moment despite him confirming that he is not willing to extend his contract with the club.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 Kylian Mbappé confirms his letter to tell PSG he won’t sign until June 2025: “I just sent a letter but it was time ago, not during the international break”.<br />
<br />
“No need to explain why. I have my own reasons”.<br />
<br />
“My only option now is staying at PSG, I already said that”. <a href="https://t.co/kPGrryGITj">pic.twitter.com/kPGrryGITj</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1669380794026950669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Mbappe plans to stay at PSG for the time being</strong></h2>

<p>"I've already answered this question, I said that my goal was to carry on at the club, to stay at PSG, it's my only option for now," Mbappe told a news conference ahead of Friday's Euro 2024 qualifier against Gibraltar in Portugal.</p>

<p>Member of the 2018 World Cup-winning squad of France, the stalwart is one of the hottest properties in the world of football and was signed by PSG in 2017. Mbappe has won the Golden Boot in French Ligue 1 in each of the last five seasons. He has scored 212 goals in 260 appearances in all competitions for the French champions and is the club’s all-time leading goal scorer.</p>

<p>Earlier in the week, the 24-year-old had confirmed that he would not be extending his contract with PSG, which will see him leave as a free agent at the end of the 2023-24 season. PSG were quick to act on the matter as they intended not to lose Mbappe for a free transfer. If he does not sign a new contract with PSG, the club will likely sanction his move which could see them earn a significant amount of revenue rather than losing him on a free.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-1st-test-england-vs-australia-preview-and-result-prediction-604796">Ashes 2023, 1st Test, England vs Australia - Preview and Result Prediction</a></p>

<h2>Mbappe on the move?</h2>

<p>Real Madrid and Manchester United remain interested parties in getting the signature of the World Cup winner. There are also talks of Manchester City who could get the deal done if they are presented with the opportunity to sign him.</p>

<p>Failure to deliver the Champions League has been one of the key reasons, Mbappe could be leaving PSG. He played in the 2020 Champions League final but ended on the losing side while his side was eliminated in the 2021 semifinals. In the last two seasons, PSG have failed to live on the burden of expectations and were eliminated in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


France captain and Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has reflected on his future with the club as he plans to stay in the French capital for the time being.

France captain and Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has reflected on his future with the club as he plans to stay in the French capital for the time being. Mbappe, who will captain the French national team as a permanent skipper for the first time, spoke to the media on Thursday, June 15 before his team’s match against Gibraltar in the Euro 2024 qualifier. According to Mbappe, PSG remain the only option for him at the moment despite him confirming that he is not willing to extend his contract with the club. 🚨 Kylian Mbappé confirms his letter to tell PSG he won’t sign until June 2025: “I just sent a letter but it was time ago, not during the international break”. “No need to explain why. I have my own reasons”. “My only option now is staying at PSG, I already said that”. pic.twitter.com/kPGrryGITj — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2023 × Mbappe plans to stay at PSG for the time being "I've already answered this question, I said that my goal was to carry on at the club, to stay at PSG, it's my only option for now," Mbappe told a news conference ahead of Friday's Euro 2024 qualifier against Gibraltar in Portugal. Member of the 2018 World Cup-winning squad of France, the stalwart is one of the hottest properties in the world of football and was signed by PSG in 2017. Mbappe has won the Golden Boot in French Ligue 1 in each of the last five seasons. He has scored 212 goals in 260 appearances in all competitions for the French champions and is the club’s all-time leading goal scorer. Earlier in the week, the 24-year-old had confirmed that he would not be extending his contract with PSG, which will see him leave as a free agent at the end of the 2023-24 season. PSG were quick to act on the matter as they intended not to lose Mbappe for a free transfer. If he does not sign a new contract with PSG, the club will likely sanction his move which could see them earn a significant amount of revenue rather than losing him on a free. ALSO READ | Ashes 2023, 1st Test, England vs Australia - Preview and Result Prediction Mbappe on the move? Real Madrid and Manchester United remain interested parties in getting the signature of the World Cup winner. There are also talks of Manchester City who could get the deal done if they are presented with the opportunity to sign him. Failure to deliver the Champions League has been one of the key reasons, Mbappe could be leaving PSG. He played in the 2020 Champions League final but ended on the losing side while his side was eliminated in the 2021 semifinals. In the last two seasons, PSG have failed to live on the burden of expectations and were eliminated in the Round of 16 of the Champions League. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: Kylian Mbappe likely to stay in Paris for upcoming season, says ‘PSG my only option for now’

<p>There is little doubt about Real Madrid’s dominance in world football. With 14 Champions League titles under their belt, Real Madrid are one of the greatest teams ever to grace the game. But their excellence has not been limited to the pitch only. Los Blancos are a force to be reckoned with in terms of fan following as well. According to data obtained by CIES Observatory, the Spanish side are currently enjoying the most number of followers on social media. With 362 million followers, Real Madrid is far ahead of their arch-rivals Barcelona. The Nou Camp-based outfit have 342 million followers across four platforms- Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. The data shared by CIES Observatory reveals that Manchester United are the only other team which have more than 200 million followers. The Premier League club occupy the third spot on the list of clubs with the most social media followers.</p>

<h2><strong>Impact of Lionel Messi</strong></h2>

<p>Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) occupy the fourth spot on this list. The Paris giants have registered 187 million followers across social media platforms. PSG had reportedly lost around 800,000 followers on Instagram after Lionel Messi played his final game for them earlier this month. Outside Europe’s top-five major leagues, Brazil’s Flamengo followed by Egypt’s Al-Ahly and Turkey’s Galatasaray are in the top 10 list.</p>

<h2><strong>The Spanish rivalry</strong></h2>

<p>While Real Madrid emerged as the most followed club on Instagram and Facebook, their Spanish rivals Barcelona are miles ahead when it comes to Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite enjoying terrific success on social media, Real Madrid did not have quite a fruitful outing in the latest season. Carlo Ancelotti’s men missed out on the La Liga title and finished their campaign at the second spot. The scene was no different in the Champions League. Los Blancos crashed out of the semi-final of the tournament after suffering a crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City. They, however, won the Spanish Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup this season.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Real Madrid confirmed the high-profile signing of English midfielder Jude Bellingham. Real Madrid lured Bellingham from German side Borussia Dortmund for a reported transfer fee of €103 million.</p>


There is little doubt about Real Madrid’s dominance in world football. With 14 Champions League titles under their belt, Real Madrid are one of the greatest teams ever to grace the game.

There is little doubt about Real Madrid’s dominance in world football. With 14 Champions League titles under their belt, Real Madrid are one of the greatest teams ever to grace the game. But their excellence has not been limited to the pitch only. Los Blancos are a force to be reckoned with in terms of fan following as well. According to data obtained by CIES Observatory, the Spanish side are currently enjoying the most number of followers on social media. With 362 million followers, Real Madrid is far ahead of their arch-rivals Barcelona. The Nou Camp-based outfit have 342 million followers across four platforms- Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. The data shared by CIES Observatory reveals that Manchester United are the only other team which have more than 200 million followers. The Premier League club occupy the third spot on the list of clubs with the most social media followers. Impact of Lionel Messi Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) occupy the fourth spot on this list. The Paris giants have registered 187 million followers across social media platforms. PSG had reportedly lost around 800,000 followers on Instagram after Lionel Messi played his final game for them earlier this month. Outside Europe’s top-five major leagues, Brazil’s Flamengo followed by Egypt’s Al-Ahly and Turkey’s Galatasaray are in the top 10 list. The Spanish rivalry While Real Madrid emerged as the most followed club on Instagram and Facebook, their Spanish rivals Barcelona are miles ahead when it comes to Twitter. Despite enjoying terrific success on social media, Real Madrid did not have quite a fruitful outing in the latest season. Carlo Ancelotti’s men missed out on the La Liga title and finished their campaign at the second spot. The scene was no different in the Champions League. Los Blancos crashed out of the semi-final of the tournament after suffering a crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City. They, however, won the Spanish Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup this season. Earlier this week, Real Madrid confirmed the high-profile signing of English midfielder Jude Bellingham. Real Madrid lured Bellingham from German side Borussia Dortmund for a reported transfer fee of €103 million.

Real Madrid claim top spot on list of most-followed teams on social media

<p>France skipper and teammate of former Ligue 1 football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player Lionel Messi&nbsp;has said that it's a shame that Messi didn't get the needed respect in France. Notably, Messi decided to leave the French football club at the end of the season this year which saw PSG winning the Ligue 1 title.</p>

<p>“We are talking about potentially the best player in the history of football. It’s never good news when someone like Messi leaves. Personally, I don’t understand why so many people were so relieved that he was gone,” said Mbappe while speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport - an Italian daily newspaper.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-typical-nick-kyrgios-goes-on-rant-about-wanting-white-towels-on-his-return-604353">Tennis: Typical Nick Kyrgios goes on rant about wanting 'white towels' on his return</a></p>

<p>“We are talking about Messi. He needs to be respected, and instead, he didn’t get the respect he deserved in France. It’s a shame, but that’s how it happened. We will have to do what we can to replace him,” added the 24-year-old skipper of France.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Mbappe, in a statement sent to news agency AFP, informed that he has told PSG about not taking the one-year extension option in his contract once it expires in June next year. The statement also said that the club was informed about the decision on 15 July&nbsp;2022, and the letter was sent to just confirm the same.</p>

<p>Mbappe, then tweeted later on June 13 that he is planning to stay at PSG next season and wrote, “LIES…At the same time, the bigger it is, the more it passes. I have already said that I will continue next season at PSG where I am very happy.”</p>

<p>As things stand, his current deal will expire in 2024 with long-term admirers Real Madrid keen on his signature. Real have been in contact with Mbappe for a few seasons but have not lured the player to switch to the Spanish capital. Manchester United are another club on the hunt and could sign him if they are presented with an opportunity to sign.</p>

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France skipper and teammate of former Ligue 1 football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player Lionel Messi has said that it's a shame that Messi didn't get the needed respect in France.

France skipper and teammate of former Ligue 1 football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player Lionel Messi has said that it's a shame that Messi didn't get the needed respect in France. Notably, Messi decided to leave the French football club at the end of the season this year which saw PSG winning the Ligue 1 title. “We are talking about potentially the best player in the history of football. It’s never good news when someone like Messi leaves. Personally, I don’t understand why so many people were so relieved that he was gone,” said Mbappe while speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport - an Italian daily newspaper. Also Read: Tennis: Typical Nick Kyrgios goes on rant about wanting 'white towels' on his return “We are talking about Messi. He needs to be respected, and instead, he didn’t get the respect he deserved in France. It’s a shame, but that’s how it happened. We will have to do what we can to replace him,” added the 24-year-old skipper of France. Meanwhile, Mbappe, in a statement sent to news agency AFP, informed that he has told PSG about not taking the one-year extension option in his contract once it expires in June next year. The statement also said that the club was informed about the decision on 15 July 2022, and the letter was sent to just confirm the same. Mbappe, then tweeted later on June 13 that he is planning to stay at PSG next season and wrote, “LIES…At the same time, the bigger it is, the more it passes. I have already said that I will continue next season at PSG where I am very happy.” As things stand, his current deal will expire in 2024 with long-term admirers Real Madrid keen on his signature. Real have been in contact with Mbappe for a few seasons but have not lured the player to switch to the Spanish capital. Manchester United are another club on the hunt and could sign him if they are presented with an opportunity to sign. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

It’s a shame: Kylian Mbappe says Lionel Messi didn't get respect in France

Kylian Mbappe will not trigger a contract extension at Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappe's current deal at PSG runs out in 2024 but the French Champions will not let him leave for free. Another long Mbappe transfer saga is set to unfold. Where will Mbappe be playing his club football next season?

Mbappe wants to leave PSG again

<p>Kylian Mbappe told Paris Saint-Germain on Monday that he would not be taking up an option to extend his contract until 2025, raising the spectre of him following Lionel Messi out of the club this summer.</p>

<p>The 24-year-old France striker's current deal expires at the end of next season, with the option of another year.</p>

<p>If he does not sign, the French champions risk losing him for nothing in a year's time -- so they could now sell him this summer rather than miss out on a windfall for one of the world's best players.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-finals-denver-nuggets-beat-miami-heat-in-game-5-to-win-maiden-championship-title-603687">NBA Finals: Denver Nuggets beat Miami Heat in Game 5 to win maiden championship title</a></p>

<p>Mbappe's decision not to renew, announced in a letter to the club and revealed by the French sports daily L'Equipe, is a fresh blow to PSG following the loss of Messi to Inter Miami.</p>

<p>There had been a deadline of July 31, 2023, for Mbappe to decide.</p>

<p>Mbappe's move comes a little over a year since he snubbed Real Madrid by signing a surprise extension to his contract to remain at the Parc des Princes.</p>

<p>Real would again be chief among his suitors.</p>

<p>Mbappe's entourage did not respond immediately when asked late Monday evening.</p>

<p>The striker's departure for free at the end of his current contract, in the summer of 2024, would prove catastrophic for PSG.</p>

<p>In addition to the void left in the team, the club would also be deprived of the millions of euros a transfer would earn. .</p>

<p>The future of Brazilian fellow star striker Neymar, under contract until 2025, also appears vague ahead of what is shaping up to be a summer of upheaval in the French capital.</p>

<h2>Growing doubts over future</h2>

<p>Mbappe joined PSG on a season-long loan from Monaco in August 2017 that turned into a permanent deal worth 180 million euros ($194 million).</p>

<p>He helped France to World Cup glory as a teenager in 2018 and has established himself as arguably the leading forward on the global stage.</p>

<p>Mbappe also scored a hat-trick in France's 2022 World Cup final defeat to Messi's Argentina and helped Paris Saint-Germain win a record 11th French title.</p>

<p>But Mbappe hinted last month that he could leave in 2024.</p>

<p>"I said that next year I will play at PSG. I still have a year of contract so I will honour my contract," he said when asked about his future at an awards ceremony where he was voted the Ligue 1 player of the season for the fourth successive time.</p>

<p>At Clairefontaine, where France are preparing for their next Euro qualifying matches, the striker appeared relaxed on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smiling and joking with coach Didier Deschamps and fellow attacker Antoine Griezmann, he participated in afternoon training and signed dozens of autographs for spectators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement of Mbappe's intentions to PSG are yet another annoyance for the club's Qatari owners following a difficult season on and off the pitch, despite winning the French title.</p>

<p>After another failure in the Champions League, the club are working to find a successor to coach Christophe Galtier.</p>

<p>The season was widely seen as a disappointment after PSG were dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich in the last 16 and from the French Cup at the same stage.</p>

<p>As for Neymar, the Brazilian's fitness has regularly been a concern for PSG, ever since he signed from Barcelona for a world-record fee of 222 million euros in 2017.</p>

<p>He has scored 118 goals in 173 games for PSG, but has missed more than 100 games due either to injury or suspension.</p>

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Kylian Mbappe told Paris Saint-Germain on Monday that he would not be taking up an option to extend his contract until 2025, raising the spectre of him following Lionel Messi out of the club this summer.

Kylian Mbappe told Paris Saint-Germain on Monday that he would not be taking up an option to extend his contract until 2025, raising the spectre of him following Lionel Messi out of the club this summer. The 24-year-old France striker's current deal expires at the end of next season, with the option of another year. If he does not sign, the French champions risk losing him for nothing in a year's time -- so they could now sell him this summer rather than miss out on a windfall for one of the world's best players. Also Read: NBA Finals: Denver Nuggets beat Miami Heat in Game 5 to win maiden championship title Mbappe's decision not to renew, announced in a letter to the club and revealed by the French sports daily L'Equipe, is a fresh blow to PSG following the loss of Messi to Inter Miami. There had been a deadline of July 31, 2023, for Mbappe to decide. Mbappe's move comes a little over a year since he snubbed Real Madrid by signing a surprise extension to his contract to remain at the Parc des Princes. Real would again be chief among his suitors. Mbappe's entourage did not respond immediately when asked late Monday evening. The striker's departure for free at the end of his current contract, in the summer of 2024, would prove catastrophic for PSG. In addition to the void left in the team, the club would also be deprived of the millions of euros a transfer would earn. . The future of Brazilian fellow star striker Neymar, under contract until 2025, also appears vague ahead of what is shaping up to be a summer of upheaval in the French capital. Growing doubts over future Mbappe joined PSG on a season-long loan from Monaco in August 2017 that turned into a permanent deal worth 180 million euros ($194 million). He helped France to World Cup glory as a teenager in 2018 and has established himself as arguably the leading forward on the global stage. Mbappe also scored a hat-trick in France's 2022 World Cup final defeat to Messi's Argentina and helped Paris Saint-Germain win a record 11th French title. But Mbappe hinted last month that he could leave in 2024. "I said that next year I will play at PSG. I still have a year of contract so I will honour my contract," he said when asked about his future at an awards ceremony where he was voted the Ligue 1 player of the season for the fourth successive time. At Clairefontaine, where France are preparing for their next Euro qualifying matches, the striker appeared relaxed on Monday. Smiling and joking with coach Didier Deschamps and fellow attacker Antoine Griezmann, he participated in afternoon training and signed dozens of autographs for spectators. The announcement of Mbappe's intentions to PSG are yet another annoyance for the club's Qatari owners following a difficult season on and off the pitch, despite winning the French title. After another failure in the Champions League, the club are working to find a successor to coach Christophe Galtier. The season was widely seen as a disappointment after PSG were dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich in the last 16 and from the French Cup at the same stage. As for Neymar, the Brazilian's fitness has regularly been a concern for PSG, ever since he signed from Barcelona for a world-record fee of 222 million euros in 2017. He has scored 118 goals in 173 games for PSG, but has missed more than 100 games due either to injury or suspension. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ligue 1: Mbappe not to renew his contract in blow to PSG

<p>Argentina star Lionel Messi has decided to join the Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. This move comes after months of speculation on Messi’s future. There were a lot of rumours about the former Paris-Saint Germain star going back to Barcelona. There was also a lot of talk swirling around the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s move to Saudi Arabia. But, Messi ultimately opted for Inter Miami. As per the latest information received, the Messi effect has started showing in the United States, with the ticket prices and sales rising exponentially.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Within a few hours of Lionel Messi’s announcement, the news caused an uproar in the United States. The match tickets for Inter Miami started soaring in sales and prices, with the price for the cheapest ticket in the secondary market being up by 1,000 percent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report in <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2023/06/07/the-messi-effect-inter-miami-ticket-prices-jump-1000-after-messi-reportedly-joins-mls/?sh=49a8eb14261d)">Forbes</a>, the cheapest ticket for an Inter Miami League Cup match against Cruz Azul has jumped from $29 (Rs 2,3394) to $459 (Rs 37,891.60). This match on July 21 will be Messi’s first match with the club. Furthermore, the get-in price for Miami’s home match against New York Red Bulls, Messi’s first MLS match, has also jumped from $30 (Rs 2,476.58) to $512 (Rs 42,266.88).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Messi’s move to the MLS could be a big opportunity for the Inter Miami franchise and the league. Inter Miami’s followers shot up from around 1 million to 4.6 million following Messi’s announcement about leaving PSG. This also led to an adverse effect for PSG, who have now lost over a million followers since the Qatar World Cup winner left the team.</p>

<p>Speaking of his decision to go to Inter Miami, Messi said, "I've taken the decision that I am going to Miami, I don't have (the deal) 100 percent sealed or maybe there's something left to do, but we decided to continue our path there. (I decided) to leave Europe, it's true that I had offers from another European team but I didn't even think about it because in Europe, my idea was only to go to Barcelona. After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it's time to go to MLS to live football in a different way and enjoy my day-to-day life more.”</p>


Argentina star Lionel Messi has decided to join the Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. This move comes after months of speculation on Messi’s future. There were a lot of rumours about the former Paris-Saint Germain star going back to Barcelona.

Argentina star Lionel Messi has decided to join the Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. This move comes after months of speculation on Messi’s future. There were a lot of rumours about the former Paris-Saint Germain star going back to Barcelona. There was also a lot of talk swirling around the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s move to Saudi Arabia. But, Messi ultimately opted for Inter Miami. As per the latest information received, the Messi effect has started showing in the United States, with the ticket prices and sales rising exponentially. Within a few hours of Lionel Messi’s announcement, the news caused an uproar in the United States. The match tickets for Inter Miami started soaring in sales and prices, with the price for the cheapest ticket in the secondary market being up by 1,000 percent. According to a report in Forbes, the cheapest ticket for an Inter Miami League Cup match against Cruz Azul has jumped from $29 (Rs 2,3394) to $459 (Rs 37,891.60). This match on July 21 will be Messi’s first match with the club. Furthermore, the get-in price for Miami’s home match against New York Red Bulls, Messi’s first MLS match, has also jumped from $30 (Rs 2,476.58) to $512 (Rs 42,266.88). Messi’s move to the MLS could be a big opportunity for the Inter Miami franchise and the league. Inter Miami’s followers shot up from around 1 million to 4.6 million following Messi’s announcement about leaving PSG. This also led to an adverse effect for PSG, who have now lost over a million followers since the Qatar World Cup winner left the team. Speaking of his decision to go to Inter Miami, Messi said, "I've taken the decision that I am going to Miami, I don't have (the deal) 100 percent sealed or maybe there's something left to do, but we decided to continue our path there. (I decided) to leave Europe, it's true that I had offers from another European team but I didn't even think about it because in Europe, my idea was only to go to Barcelona. After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it's time to go to MLS to live football in a different way and enjoy my day-to-day life more.”

Inter Miami sees ‘Messi effect’ after transfer move, ticket prices jump 1,000%

<p>Lionel Messi on Wednesday said he will sign for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, choosing the United States as his next destination over a Barcelona reunion or blockbuster deal to play in Saudi Arabia. The Argentine forward, 35, has spent the last two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, playing his final game for the club on Saturday, after moving from Barcelona in 2021, where he spent the majority of his career.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨🚨 BREAKING: Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, here we go! The decision has been made and it will be announced by Leo in the next hours <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InterMiami?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InterMiami</a><br />
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🇺🇸 Messi will play in MLS. No more chances for Barcelona/Al Hilal despite trying to make it happen.<br />
<br />
𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐄 𝐆𝐎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLS</a> <a href="https://t.co/OTYWIlEzNc">pic.twitter.com/OTYWIlEzNc</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1666481587834220546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>MLS and Inter Miami confirmed the news on social media, although the American League noted: "Work remains to finalise a formal agreement".</p>

<p>"I've taken the decision that I am going to Miami, I don't have (the deal) 100 per cent sealed or maybe there's something left to do, but we decided to continue our path there," Messi told Spanish newspapers Diario Sport and Mundo Deportivo. "After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it's time to go to MLS to live football in a different way and enjoy my day-to-day life more."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-announces-inter-miami-move-601923">Lionel Messi announces Inter Miami move</a></p>

<p>Messi is a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner and is expected to earn the individual accolade once more after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in December.</p>

<p>The football world was eagerly awaiting Messi's decision after PSG confirmed this week the playmaker, widely considered the best player in the history of football, was departing.</p>

<p>The romance of a Barcelona return and the prospect of eye-watering riches in Saudi Arabia fell by the wayside as Messi opted to join MLS, with Miami a city he has holidayed in on previous occasions.</p>

<p>"If it had been a question of money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere," said Messi. "It seemed a lot of money and the truth is that my decision went another way and not for money."</p>

<p>Inter Miami, co-owned by former England international David Beckham and founded in 2018, sacked coach Phil Neville last week with the team at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.</p>

<p>Some reports say key MLS sponsors including Adidas and Apple TV, who own the league's domestic broadcasting rights, may be contributing to his deal.<br />
<br />
Messi, who turns 36 later this month, is now set to finish his club career outside the spotlight of top-level European football.</p>

<h2>- ‘Would have loved to return to Barcelona’ -</h2>

<p>Messi said he would have loved to return to Barcelona but was afraid that the financial complications which stopped the Catalan club extending his deal in 2021 would interfere again.</p>

<p>"I really wanted to come back, I was really looking forward to it," continued Messi. "But, on the other hand, after having lived through what I lived through, after the exit I had... I didn't want to go through the same situation again and have to wait to see what was going to happen.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Messi: "I really wanted to return to Barça, I had that dream. But after what happened two years ago, I did not want to be in the same situation again, leaving my future in the hands of someone else...". 🔵🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCB</a><br />
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"I wanted to take my own decision, thinking of me and my family". <a href="https://t.co/u0A7xs2XiK">pic.twitter.com/u0A7xs2XiK</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1666524588673495040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I didn't want to leave my future in the hands of others. Somehow, I wanted to make my own decision for myself, for my family."</p>

<p>Messi said he plans to live in Barcelona again in the future and be involved with his former side in some way.</p>

<p>"I don't know at what moment and when, but hopefully I can return one day to contribute something to the club," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Messi: "I'd love to be close to Barcelona. I will live in Barcelona again, it's already decided. I hope to help the club one day, because it's the club I love". 🔵🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCB</a><br />
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"I wanna thank the Barça fans for all their support. And yes, I'd love to be again here... definitely". <a href="https://t.co/NmESEve1OF">pic.twitter.com/NmESEve1OF</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1666534583179812870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Before that, though, Messi will give the growth of football in the United States another jolt of momentum with his arrival, which comes just three years ahead of the 2026 World Cup being co-hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.</p>

<p>Having spent the past two seasons of his career at a lavishly funded PSG side, Messi will be going to a more modest set-up in Miami.</p>

<p>In their first game since Messi's announcement on Wednesday, Miami defeated Alabama non-league side Birmingham Legion 1-0 in the US Open Cup to reach the semi-finals.</p>

<h3>- Glittering history -</h3>

<p>Messi joined Barcelona's academy at 13 years old after leaving his homeland. He became the Catalan club's greatest icon, scoring a record 672 goals in 778 games, winning 35 trophies, including four Champions League triumphs and 10 La Liga titles.</p>

<p>After his unexpected Barcelona departure, Messi linked up in Paris with his former team-mate Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in a star-studded attacking trident, but PSG flattered to deceive during his time at the club.</p>

<p>While they won Ligue 1 twice, they suffered two devastating Champions League last-16 exits, with Messi a target for supporters' anger.</p>

<p>Already being booed by fans, he took an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, where he is a tourism ambassador, and was fined and suspended by PSG.</p>

<p>Messi returned from suspension to play his 75th and final match for PSG last weekend in a defeat by Clermont, during which he was jeered once more and could not add to his tally of 32 goals for the club.</p>

<p>"They were two years which were in general difficult for me, but they are behind me now," said Messi.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Lionel Messi on Wednesday said he will sign for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, choosing the United States as his next destination over a Barcelona reunion or blockbuster deal to play in Saudi Arabia.

Lionel Messi on Wednesday said he will sign for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, choosing the United States as his next destination over a Barcelona reunion or blockbuster deal to play in Saudi Arabia. The Argentine forward, 35, has spent the last two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, playing his final game for the club on Saturday, after moving from Barcelona in 2021, where he spent the majority of his career. 🚨🚨 BREAKING: Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, here we go! The decision has been made and it will be announced by Leo in the next hours #InterMiami 🇺🇸 Messi will play in MLS. No more chances for Barcelona/Al Hilal despite trying to make it happen. 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐄 𝐆𝐎#Messi #MLS pic.twitter.com/OTYWIlEzNc — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023 × MLS and Inter Miami confirmed the news on social media, although the American League noted: "Work remains to finalise a formal agreement". "I've taken the decision that I am going to Miami, I don't have (the deal) 100 per cent sealed or maybe there's something left to do, but we decided to continue our path there," Messi told Spanish newspapers Diario Sport and Mundo Deportivo. "After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it's time to go to MLS to live football in a different way and enjoy my day-to-day life more." ALSO READ: Lionel Messi announces Inter Miami move Messi is a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner and is expected to earn the individual accolade once more after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in December. The football world was eagerly awaiting Messi's decision after PSG confirmed this week the playmaker, widely considered the best player in the history of football, was departing. The romance of a Barcelona return and the prospect of eye-watering riches in Saudi Arabia fell by the wayside as Messi opted to join MLS, with Miami a city he has holidayed in on previous occasions. "If it had been a question of money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere," said Messi. "It seemed a lot of money and the truth is that my decision went another way and not for money." Inter Miami, co-owned by former England international David Beckham and founded in 2018, sacked coach Phil Neville last week with the team at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Some reports say key MLS sponsors including Adidas and Apple TV, who own the league's domestic broadcasting rights, may be contributing to his deal. Messi, who turns 36 later this month, is now set to finish his club career outside the spotlight of top-level European football. - ‘Would have loved to return to Barcelona’ - Messi said he would have loved to return to Barcelona but was afraid that the financial complications which stopped the Catalan club extending his deal in 2021 would interfere again. "I really wanted to come back, I was really looking forward to it," continued Messi. "But, on the other hand, after having lived through what I lived through, after the exit I had... I didn't want to go through the same situation again and have to wait to see what was going to happen. Messi: "I really wanted to return to Barça, I had that dream. But after what happened two years ago, I did not want to be in the same situation again, leaving my future in the hands of someone else...". 🔵🔴 #FCB "I wanted to take my own decision, thinking of me and my family". pic.twitter.com/u0A7xs2XiK — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023 × "I didn't want to leave my future in the hands of others. Somehow, I wanted to make my own decision for myself, for my family." Messi said he plans to live in Barcelona again in the future and be involved with his former side in some way. "I don't know at what moment and when, but hopefully I can return one day to contribute something to the club," he said. Messi: "I'd love to be close to Barcelona. I will live in Barcelona again, it's already decided. I hope to help the club one day, because it's the club I love". 🔵🔴 #FCB "I wanna thank the Barça fans for all their support. And yes, I'd love to be again here... definitely". pic.twitter.com/NmESEve1OF — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023 × Before that, though, Messi will give the growth of football in the United States another jolt of momentum with his arrival, which comes just three years ahead of the 2026 World Cup being co-hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Having spent the past two seasons of his career at a lavishly funded PSG side, Messi will be going to a more modest set-up in Miami. In their first game since Messi's announcement on Wednesday, Miami defeated Alabama non-league side Birmingham Legion 1-0 in the US Open Cup to reach the semi-finals. - Glittering history - Messi joined Barcelona's academy at 13 years old after leaving his homeland. He became the Catalan club's greatest icon, scoring a record 672 goals in 778 games, winning 35 trophies, including four Champions League triumphs and 10 La Liga titles. After his unexpected Barcelona departure, Messi linked up in Paris with his former team-mate Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in a star-studded attacking trident, but PSG flattered to deceive during his time at the club. While they won Ligue 1 twice, they suffered two devastating Champions League last-16 exits, with Messi a target for supporters' anger. Already being booed by fans, he took an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, where he is a tourism ambassador, and was fined and suspended by PSG. Messi returned from suspension to play his 75th and final match for PSG last weekend in a defeat by Clermont, during which he was jeered once more and could not add to his tally of 32 goals for the club. "They were two years which were in general difficult for me, but they are behind me now," said Messi. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'If it had been a question of money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia' - Lionel Messi on joining Inter Miami

<p>Is Lionel Messi set to return to FC Barcelona? The latest&nbsp;reports suggest so. Days after Paris Saint Germain (PSG) – his previous club, announced Messi’s departure after two seasons at the helm, Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has provided a big break on this matter. After meeting Barcelona President Joan Laporta recently, Messi’s father claimed the Argentine star is keen on returning to Camp Nou this summer amid rumours of him signing a lucrative Saudi Pro League deal.</p>

<p>“Leo wants to return to Barcelona, and I’d love to see him back to Barça. I can say that we are confident — as Barça move is an option for sure. But you will know the future soon,” said Jorge Messi, as quoted by multiple outlets.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 Jorge Messi after meeting Barcelona president Laporta: “Leo wants to return to Barcelona and I’d love to see him back to Barça”.<br />
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“Barça move is an option for sure”, Jorge Messi added — via <a href="https://twitter.com/tjuanmarti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tjuanmarti</a>. <a href="https://t.co/UwIrMX4GSz">pic.twitter.com/UwIrMX4GSz</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1665684977449684992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Messi, who recently led Argentina to a World Cup victory, left Barcelona in 2021 after the club failed to extend his contract due to Financial Fair Play rules in LaLiga. After spending nearly two decades at Camp Nou, Messi left Barça and joined Ligue 1 giants PSG on a two-year deal. There, he joined his former Barcelona teammate and close friend Neymar.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/luka-modric-lionel-messi-among-ten-top-level-stars-on-list-of-saudi-transfer-targets-600820">Luka Modric, Lionel Messi among 'ten top-level stars' on list of Saudi transfer targets</a></p>

<p>Following the French League win and appearing in his final league game for PSG the past week, the board, in a statement, announced Messi’s departure.</p>

<p>“After two seasons in the capital, Leo Messi’s adventure with Paris Saint-Germain will come to a conclusion at the end of the 2022-23 season," the club said in a widely expected announcement.</p>

<p>“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," said Leo Messi.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Barça head coach Xavi Hernandez and President Laporta have insisted on bringing the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner back&nbsp;where he belongs.</p>

<p>Since Barcelona had prepared a ‘viable plan’ to re-sign Messi – considering all FFP factors, the official bid is yet to be made. Jorge Messi was at the Laporta&nbsp;house to discuss this deal.</p>

<p>For that to happen, the Spanish Football League is yet to approve Barcelona’s plan. As per several reports, the blueprint includes contract extensions of a few players and a highly-likely mega-deal of Lionel Messi's signing.</p>

<p>Besides Barcelona, there are reports from the Gulf stating Messi is also on the&nbsp;radar of a few teams in the Saudi Pro League – where his old foe, Cristiano Ronaldo, plays for Al Nassr. Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami has also shown interest in bringing Leo on board.</p>

<p>Lionel Messi will make a final call on his future shortly.</p>

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Is Lionel Messi set to return to FC Barcelona? The latest reports suggest so. Days after Paris Saint Germain (PSG) – his previous club, announced Messi’s departure after two seasons at the helm, Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has provided a big break on this matter.

Is Lionel Messi set to return to FC Barcelona? The latest reports suggest so. Days after Paris Saint Germain (PSG) – his previous club, announced Messi’s departure after two seasons at the helm, Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has provided a big break on this matter. After meeting Barcelona President Joan Laporta recently, Messi’s father claimed the Argentine star is keen on returning to Camp Nou this summer amid rumours of him signing a lucrative Saudi Pro League deal. “Leo wants to return to Barcelona, and I’d love to see him back to Barça. I can say that we are confident — as Barça move is an option for sure. But you will know the future soon,” said Jorge Messi, as quoted by multiple outlets. 🚨 Jorge Messi after meeting Barcelona president Laporta: “Leo wants to return to Barcelona and I’d love to see him back to Barça”. “Barça move is an option for sure”, Jorge Messi added — via @tjuanmarti. pic.twitter.com/UwIrMX4GSz — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2023 × Messi, who recently led Argentina to a World Cup victory, left Barcelona in 2021 after the club failed to extend his contract due to Financial Fair Play rules in LaLiga. After spending nearly two decades at Camp Nou, Messi left Barça and joined Ligue 1 giants PSG on a two-year deal. There, he joined his former Barcelona teammate and close friend Neymar. ALSO READ: Luka Modric, Lionel Messi among 'ten top-level stars' on list of Saudi transfer targets Following the French League win and appearing in his final league game for PSG the past week, the board, in a statement, announced Messi’s departure. “After two seasons in the capital, Leo Messi’s adventure with Paris Saint-Germain will come to a conclusion at the end of the 2022-23 season," the club said in a widely expected announcement. “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," said Leo Messi. Meanwhile, Barça head coach Xavi Hernandez and President Laporta have insisted on bringing the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner back where he belongs. Since Barcelona had prepared a ‘viable plan’ to re-sign Messi – considering all FFP factors, the official bid is yet to be made. Jorge Messi was at the Laporta house to discuss this deal. For that to happen, the Spanish Football League is yet to approve Barcelona’s plan. As per several reports, the blueprint includes contract extensions of a few players and a highly-likely mega-deal of Lionel Messi's signing. Besides Barcelona, there are reports from the Gulf stating Messi is also on the radar of a few teams in the Saudi Pro League – where his old foe, Cristiano Ronaldo, plays for Al Nassr. Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami has also shown interest in bringing Leo on board. Lionel Messi will make a final call on his future shortly. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Lionel Messi to Barcelona a done deal? Messi's father provides BIG update after recent catch-up with club prez

<p>Lionel Messi is leaving Paris Saint-Germain after their final match of the season on Saturday, the Ligue 1 champions said on social media.</p>

<p>"After two seasons in the capital, Leo Messi's adventure with Paris Saint-Germain will come to a conclusion at the end of the 2022-23 season," the club said in a widely expected announcement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After two seasons with PSG, the adventure between Leo Messi and Paris Saint-Germain will come to an end at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.<br />
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The Club wishes Leo, with undeniable emotion, many more accomplishments for the rest of his career. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MerciMessi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MerciMessi</a> 🔴🔵…</p>
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) <a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_English/status/1665045954695958528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The club said the 35-year-old would play some role in the Ligue 1 match against Clermont at the Parc des Princes on Saturday.</p>

<p>The Argentinian was signed two seasons ago from Barcelona to help PSG win an elusive Champions League, but he failed in that aim. The French club were beaten in the Champions League last 16 by Real Madrid last season and suffered the same fate this year at Bayern Munich's hands.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-stage-a-perfect-comeback-to-stun-wolfsburg-3-2-as-womens-team-clinch-champions-league-title-600207">Barcelona stage a perfect comeback to stun Wolfsburg 3-2 as women's team clinch Champions League title</a></p>

<p>Messi, who has won the Ballon d'Or seven times, has earned an estimated annual salary of 30 million euros ($32.1 million) after tax at Qatar-backed PSG.</p>

<p>He led Argentina to victory against France in the World Cup final in Qatar in December.</p>

<p>But having poured his efforts into that long-awaited triumph for his country, his was unable to lead PSG past Bayern in the Champions League. Messi was even jeered by some supporters at the Parc des Princes despite scoring 32 goals in 74 games for PSG before Saturday's final match.</p>

<p>His relationship with the club soured further earlier this season when he skipped training for an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia to fulfil his commitments as a tourism ambassador for the Gulf state.</p>

<p>A one-week suspension followed, and there was no prospect of Messi signing a new deal in Paris after that.\</p>

<h2>Messi becomes a free agent</h2>

<p>Barcelona, the club where he has played most of his career, would love him to return but the possibility has appeared to be fading in recent weeks.</p>

<p>Instead, Saudi Arabia might be his next destination.</p>

<p>A source with knowledge of the Saudi negotiations told AFP last month that it was a "done deal" for him to play in the Saudi Arabian league, although Messi's father Jorge denied then that his son had decided his next destination.</p>

<p>Inter Miami have also reportedly made an offer to take him to Major League Soccer.</p>

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Lionel Messi is leaving Paris Saint-Germain after their final match of the season on Saturday, the Ligue 1 champions said on social media. "After two seasons in the capital, Leo Messi's adventure with Paris Saint-Germain will come to a conclusion at the end of the 2022-23 season," the club said in a widely expected announcement.

Lionel Messi is leaving Paris Saint-Germain after their final match of the season on Saturday, the Ligue 1 champions said on social media. "After two seasons in the capital, Leo Messi's adventure with Paris Saint-Germain will come to a conclusion at the end of the 2022-23 season," the club said in a widely expected announcement. After two seasons with PSG, the adventure between Leo Messi and Paris Saint-Germain will come to an end at the end of the 2022-23 campaign. The Club wishes Leo, with undeniable emotion, many more accomplishments for the rest of his career. #MerciMessi 🔴🔵… — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 3, 2023 × The club said the 35-year-old would play some role in the Ligue 1 match against Clermont at the Parc des Princes on Saturday. The Argentinian was signed two seasons ago from Barcelona to help PSG win an elusive Champions League, but he failed in that aim. The French club were beaten in the Champions League last 16 by Real Madrid last season and suffered the same fate this year at Bayern Munich's hands. ALSO READ: Barcelona stage a perfect comeback to stun Wolfsburg 3-2 as women's team clinch Champions League title Messi, who has won the Ballon d'Or seven times, has earned an estimated annual salary of 30 million euros ($32.1 million) after tax at Qatar-backed PSG. He led Argentina to victory against France in the World Cup final in Qatar in December. But having poured his efforts into that long-awaited triumph for his country, his was unable to lead PSG past Bayern in the Champions League. Messi was even jeered by some supporters at the Parc des Princes despite scoring 32 goals in 74 games for PSG before Saturday's final match. His relationship with the club soured further earlier this season when he skipped training for an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia to fulfil his commitments as a tourism ambassador for the Gulf state. A one-week suspension followed, and there was no prospect of Messi signing a new deal in Paris after that.\ Messi becomes a free agent Barcelona, the club where he has played most of his career, would love him to return but the possibility has appeared to be fading in recent weeks. Instead, Saudi Arabia might be his next destination. A source with knowledge of the Saudi negotiations told AFP last month that it was a "done deal" for him to play in the Saudi Arabian league, although Messi's father Jorge denied then that his son had decided his next destination. Inter Miami have also reportedly made an offer to take him to Major League Soccer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

PSG confirm Lionel Messi exit after two seasons as Argentine star yet to decide on future

<p>Spanish football legend Sergio Ramos has confirmed his departure from Paris Saint-Germain after two years in the French capital. The former World Cup winner joins Lionel Messi in another high-profile exit at the club as they close the domestic season on Saturday. The Spaniard had a torrid time in the French capital and struggled with injuries during his spell with the club, having made the switch from Real Madrid in 2021.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">Mañana será un día especial, mañana diré adiós a otra etapa de mi vida, adiós al <a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_espanol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PSG_espanol</a>.<br />
No sé en cuántos lugares uno puede sentirse como en casa pero, sin duda, el PSG, su afición y París han sido uno de ellos para mí. <a href="https://t.co/961LqCYvQc">pic.twitter.com/961LqCYvQc</a></p>
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) <a href="https://twitter.com/SergioRamos/status/1664727105869848579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Board confirms Ramos exit</strong></h2>

<p>"We would like to express our immense gratitude to Sergio Ramos for the two years he has spent with us," PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said in a statement.</p>

<p>"Sergio's leadership, team spirit and professionalism, combined with his experience at the highest level, make him a true football legend, and it was an honour to have him in Paris.</p>

<p>"Everyone at the club wishes him all the best," Al-Khelaifi added.</p>

<p>Ramos’ exit from the club could be another setback for French football giants as it could get even worse with speculations suggesting Brazilian star Neymar could also be on the move. Despite heavy investment in the club, they have found it difficult to win the Champions League and have exited the completion in the Round 16 in the last two seasons.</p>

<p>Ramos on the flip side could feature on Saturday against Clermont Foot in their final game of the Ligue One season. The four-time Champions League winner made 57 appearances for PSG and could head to Qatar or Saudi Arabia next.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-1983-wc-winning-team-backs-protesting-wrestlers-urges-them-to-not-immerse-medals-in-ganges-599632">India's 1983 WC winning team backs protesting wrestlers, urges them to not immerse medals in Ganges</a></p>

<h2><strong>Ramos’ emotional farewell</strong></h2>

<p>"Tomorrow is a special day, tomorrow I will say goodbye to another stage of my life, goodbye to @psg," Ramos said on social media.</p>

<p>"I don't know in how many places one can feel at home, but without a doubt PSG, the fans, and Paris were one of them for me.</p>

<p>"Thank you for two special years in which I was able play in every tournament and give my all," he added.</p>

<p>PSG will close their domestic season with the French Ligue One title while they had disappointed in the Coup de France and the Champions League after an early exit. While there are outgoings at the club, there are also possible incomings as well with Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio heavily linked with PSG for a summer switch.</p>

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Spanish football legend Sergio Ramos has confirmed his departure from Paris Saint-Germain after two years in the French capital. The former World Cup winner joins Lionel Messi in another high-profile exit at the club as they close the domestic season on Saturday.

Spanish football legend Sergio Ramos has confirmed his departure from Paris Saint-Germain after two years in the French capital. The former World Cup winner joins Lionel Messi in another high-profile exit at the club as they close the domestic season on Saturday. The Spaniard had a torrid time in the French capital and struggled with injuries during his spell with the club, having made the switch from Real Madrid in 2021. Mañana será un día especial, mañana diré adiós a otra etapa de mi vida, adiós al @PSG_espanol. No sé en cuántos lugares uno puede sentirse como en casa pero, sin duda, el PSG, su afición y París han sido uno de ellos para mí. pic.twitter.com/961LqCYvQc — Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) June 2, 2023 × Board confirms Ramos exit "We would like to express our immense gratitude to Sergio Ramos for the two years he has spent with us," PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said in a statement. "Sergio's leadership, team spirit and professionalism, combined with his experience at the highest level, make him a true football legend, and it was an honour to have him in Paris. "Everyone at the club wishes him all the best," Al-Khelaifi added. Ramos’ exit from the club could be another setback for French football giants as it could get even worse with speculations suggesting Brazilian star Neymar could also be on the move. Despite heavy investment in the club, they have found it difficult to win the Champions League and have exited the completion in the Round 16 in the last two seasons. Ramos on the flip side could feature on Saturday against Clermont Foot in their final game of the Ligue One season. The four-time Champions League winner made 57 appearances for PSG and could head to Qatar or Saudi Arabia next. ALSO READ | India's 1983 WC winning team backs protesting wrestlers, urges them to not immerse medals in Ganges Ramos’ emotional farewell "Tomorrow is a special day, tomorrow I will say goodbye to another stage of my life, goodbye to @psg," Ramos said on social media. "I don't know in how many places one can feel at home, but without a doubt PSG, the fans, and Paris were one of them for me. "Thank you for two special years in which I was able play in every tournament and give my all," he added. PSG will close their domestic season with the French Ligue One title while they had disappointed in the Coup de France and the Champions League after an early exit. While there are outgoings at the club, there are also possible incomings as well with Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio heavily linked with PSG for a summer switch. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: Sergio Ramos confirms PSG exit after two years; joins Messi in another high-profile outgoing

<p>Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the departure of legendary Argentine star Lionel Messi on Thursday, June 1&nbsp;after a two-year spell in the French capital. Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, had fuelled speculations regarding his departure from the club having made a trip to Saudi Arabia without informing the club in April. Coach Christophe Galtier was full of praise for the legendary star as PSG close their domestic season on Saturday against eighth-place Clermont Foot at home.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 PSG manager Christophe Galtier has just confirmed that Leo Messi will leave PSG at the end of the season.<br />
<br />
“I had a 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”. <a href="https://t.co/hieCFUFBQm">pic.twitter.com/hieCFUFBQm</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1664233168562470912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Messi’s departure confirmed</strong></h2>

<p>"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,” the PSG coach said in the final pre-match press conference of the 2022-23 season.</p>

<p>Speculations about Messi's departure had been rife&nbsp;ever since he returned&nbsp;from the World Cup in Qatar. It is understood Messi wanted to take a decision on his future shortly after his father Jorge&nbsp;confirmed his desire to leave the French capital. While it is not decided where Messi will go next season, Barcelona remain one of the many names in the hat, while Saudi side Al-Hilal are rumoured to be the front runners for his signature.</p>

<p>The Argentina star is also reported to have attracted interest from David Beckham's co-owned Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-how-can-beat-india-beat-australia-and-win-the-world-test-championship-final-599154">EXPLAINED - How can India beat Australia and win the World Test Championship Final</a></p>

<h2><strong>Start of breaking point with PSG</strong></h2>

<p>Lionel Messi's future at PSG plunged into doubt early in May after he was suspended by Paris Saint-Germain after travelling to Saudi Arabia without the club's permission. While Messi returned to the club after serving the suspension, the idea was always to end the season at PSG and search for a new club.</p>

<h2>Messi’s options for next club</h2>

<p>According to reports, Messi still sees his future in Europe and is ready to entertain offers in the coming days. Barcelona, struggling with Financial Fair Play (FFP), are one of the favourites, while Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Chelsea remain the only clubs able to afford Messi’s salary in European football.</p>

<p>Al-Hilal&nbsp;have reportedly put forward a $430.34 million proposal in salary for Messi, which might tempt him to sign for the Saudi club.</p>

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Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the departure of legendary Argentine star Lionel Messi on Thursday, June 1 after a two-year spell in the French capital. Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, had fuelled speculations regarding his departure from the club having made a trip to Saudi Arabia without informing the club in April.

Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the departure of legendary Argentine star Lionel Messi on Thursday, June 1 after a two-year spell in the French capital. Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, had fuelled speculations regarding his departure from the club having made a trip to Saudi Arabia without informing the club in April. Coach Christophe Galtier was full of praise for the legendary star as PSG close their domestic season on Saturday against eighth-place Clermont Foot at home. 🚨 PSG manager Christophe Galtier has just confirmed that Leo Messi will leave PSG at the end of the season. “I had a 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”. pic.twitter.com/hieCFUFBQm — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 1, 2023 × Messi’s departure confirmed "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,” the PSG coach said in the final pre-match press conference of the 2022-23 season. Speculations about Messi's departure had been rife ever since he returned from the World Cup in Qatar. It is understood Messi wanted to take a decision on his future shortly after his father Jorge confirmed his desire to leave the French capital. While it is not decided where Messi will go next season, Barcelona remain one of the many names in the hat, while Saudi side Al-Hilal are rumoured to be the front runners for his signature. The Argentina star is also reported to have attracted interest from David Beckham's co-owned Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS). ALSO READ | EXPLAINED - How can India beat Australia and win the World Test Championship Final Start of breaking point with PSG Lionel Messi's future at PSG plunged into doubt early in May after he was suspended by Paris Saint-Germain after travelling to Saudi Arabia without the club's permission. While Messi returned to the club after serving the suspension, the idea was always to end the season at PSG and search for a new club. Messi’s options for next club According to reports, Messi still sees his future in Europe and is ready to entertain offers in the coming days. Barcelona, struggling with Financial Fair Play (FFP), are one of the favourites, while Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Chelsea remain the only clubs able to afford Messi’s salary in European football. Al-Hilal have reportedly put forward a $430.34 million proposal in salary for Messi, which might tempt him to sign for the Saudi club. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Official: PSG confirm Lionel Messi's departure from club; ends two-year spell in French capital

<p>Kylian Mbappe was voted the Ligue 1 player of the season for the fourth successive time Sunday after helping Paris Saint-Germain win a record 11th French title.</p>

<p>The France star has scored 28 goals in the league this term and is on course to finish as the division's top scorer for the fifth season running.</p>

<p>"It's a pleasure, I always wanted to win, to write my name into the league's history. But even with all the ambition I have I didn't expect to win so quickly," said Mbappe on receiving his award.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-girouds-goal-against-juventus-puts-ac-milan-in-champions-league-597651">Serie A: Giroud's goal against Juventus puts AC Milan in Champions League</a></p>

<p>Mbappe, scorer of 40 goals this campaign, snubbed Real Madrid at the end of last season and signed a new three-year contract to stay with PSG.</p>

<p>According to reports, the 24-year-old's contract will run out next year unless he exercises an option to stay until 2025.</p>

<p>Asked about his future at the awards ceremony, Mbappe replied: "I will be here again next season."</p>

<p>He is the first four-time winner of a prize first awarded in 1994, surpassing Zlatan Ibrahimovic who won the accolade on three occasions with PSG.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Franck Haise of Lens was named coach of the season after leading the club to second place and a return to Champions League football for the first time in two decades.</p>

<p>Lens goalkeeper Brice Samba was also honoured while Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes earned the best young player award.</p>

<p>He was one of four PSG players in the team of the season alongside Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Achraf Hakimi.</p>

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Kylian Mbappe was voted the Ligue 1 player of the season for the fourth successive time Sunday after helping Paris Saint-Germain win a record 11th French title. The France star has scored 28 goals in the league this term and is on course to finish as the division's top scorer for the fifth season running.

Kylian Mbappe was voted the Ligue 1 player of the season for the fourth successive time Sunday after helping Paris Saint-Germain win a record 11th French title. The France star has scored 28 goals in the league this term and is on course to finish as the division's top scorer for the fifth season running. "It's a pleasure, I always wanted to win, to write my name into the league's history. But even with all the ambition I have I didn't expect to win so quickly," said Mbappe on receiving his award. Also Read: Serie A: Giroud's goal against Juventus puts AC Milan in Champions League Mbappe, scorer of 40 goals this campaign, snubbed Real Madrid at the end of last season and signed a new three-year contract to stay with PSG. According to reports, the 24-year-old's contract will run out next year unless he exercises an option to stay until 2025. Asked about his future at the awards ceremony, Mbappe replied: "I will be here again next season." He is the first four-time winner of a prize first awarded in 1994, surpassing Zlatan Ibrahimovic who won the accolade on three occasions with PSG. Franck Haise of Lens was named coach of the season after leading the club to second place and a return to Champions League football for the first time in two decades. Lens goalkeeper Brice Samba was also honoured while Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes earned the best young player award. He was one of four PSG players in the team of the season alongside Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Achraf Hakimi. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ligue 1: Kylian Mbappe named Player of the Season for record 4th time after PSG's title win

<p>Now that Paris Saint-Germain have completed the job of retaining the Ligue 1 title, they can focus on the latest rebuilding job in the French capital, where sweeping changes are needed to the faltering Qatari project.</p>

<p>PSG's 11th domestic league triumph -– their ninth in the last 11 years -- was secured despite Christophe Galtier's team losing six games in 2023 while nearest challengers Lens have taken most of the plaudits.</p>

<p>"It has not been our best season but it has still been a good one," insisted captain Marquinhos recently.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-dismiss-board-members-salihamidzic-and-kahn-despite-bundesliga-title-win-597283">Bayern Munich dismiss board members Salihamidzic and Kahn despite Bundesliga title win</a></p>

<p>It has been largely forgotten now, given their latest elimination in the Champions League last 16 at the hands of Bayern Munich, but PSG were superb at the start of the campaign.</p>

<p>They were unbeaten before the World Cup, when Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar appeared driven by the prospect of the approaching tournament in Qatar.</p>

<p>Yet the unravelling that followed was dramatic, with Neymar again cut down by injury and Messi being suspended for missing training after taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>The mood around the club in recent weeks has appeared sullen, with fans disaffected.</p>

<p>"When we take stock, we need to analyse the first half of the season and what state the players were in when they came back from the World Cup," Galtier said on Friday.</p>

<p>"But I understand the disappointment. It has been a very strange season."</p>

<h2>Mbappe front and centre</h2>

<p>The coaching job has at times seemed too big for Galtier, who arrived last year in the wake of Mbappe's decision to snub Real Madrid and sign a new three-year contract.</p>

<p>Mbappe -- scorer of 40 goals this season -- might wonder now if he made the right choice, although the question of his future is bound to come up again soon.</p>

<p>According to reports, the 24-year-old's contract will run out next year unless he exercises an option to stay until 2025.</p>

<p>However, PSG must now seek to rebuild with Mbappe the focal point more than ever.</p>

<p>The ageing and out-of-contract Messi is expected to depart and the physically frail Neymar, now 31, is fading as a force.</p>

<p>All eyes will be on what Luis Campos, PSG's Portuguese recruitment guru, does in the transfer market.</p>

<p>He is restrained by UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules and by the fact that PSG have an array of unwanted players on big contracts who are set to return after a season on loan.</p>

<p>The saving on Messi's annual salary of an estimated 30 million euros ($32.5m) net would provide some leeway.</p>

<p>Much has been made of the willingness to focus on younger players hailing from the Paris region, a prolific breeding ground for talent.</p>

<p>This, after all, is a club who have been stung by the decision to let so many prospects leave in recent years, from Kingsley Coman and Adrien Rabiot to Moussa Diaby, Christopher Nkunku and Mike Maignan.</p>

<h2>Galtier on the way out?</h2>

<p>The holy grail is the Champions League, in which PSG have gone out in the last 16 five times in seven seasons, regularly coming up short at the crucial moment.</p>

<p>"Lots of teams want to go all the way but only one can do so," said Galtier.</p>

<p>"To win the Champions League, or to give yourself a chance, you need to be on form in February and March and we were not."</p>

<p>PSG have been here before, and Nasser al-Khelaifi, club president since the Qatari takeover of 2011, surely cannot afford to get another rebuild wrong.</p>

<p>Qatari interest in buying Manchester United, via Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, has led to questions about the potential impact on PSG.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the club's owners continue to be thwarted in their attempts to buy the Parc des Princes from the city of Paris so they can expand capacity, raising the possibility of a move to the larger Stade de France.</p>

<p>All of which means some uncertainty about what lies ahead, although Galtier at least knows his future is likely elsewhere.</p>

<p>Under investigation over allegations that he made racist and discriminatory remarks to players when in charge at Nice last season, which he denies, Galtier's authority has diminished over the campaign.</p>

<p>A new coach capable of commanding the dressing room's respect is required, and Jose Mourinho and Luis Enrique have been linked with the job.</p>

<p>With PSG having gone backwards in two years with Messi, it remains to be seen if the latest rebuild succeeds where past attempts have failed.</p>

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Now that Paris Saint-Germain have completed the job of retaining the Ligue 1 title, they can focus on the latest rebuilding job in the French capital, where sweeping changes are needed to the faltering Qatari project.

Now that Paris Saint-Germain have completed the job of retaining the Ligue 1 title, they can focus on the latest rebuilding job in the French capital, where sweeping changes are needed to the faltering Qatari project. PSG's 11th domestic league triumph -– their ninth in the last 11 years -- was secured despite Christophe Galtier's team losing six games in 2023 while nearest challengers Lens have taken most of the plaudits. "It has not been our best season but it has still been a good one," insisted captain Marquinhos recently. Also Read: Bayern Munich dismiss board members Salihamidzic and Kahn despite Bundesliga title win It has been largely forgotten now, given their latest elimination in the Champions League last 16 at the hands of Bayern Munich, but PSG were superb at the start of the campaign. They were unbeaten before the World Cup, when Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar appeared driven by the prospect of the approaching tournament in Qatar. Yet the unravelling that followed was dramatic, with Neymar again cut down by injury and Messi being suspended for missing training after taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. The mood around the club in recent weeks has appeared sullen, with fans disaffected. "When we take stock, we need to analyse the first half of the season and what state the players were in when they came back from the World Cup," Galtier said on Friday. "But I understand the disappointment. It has been a very strange season." Mbappe front and centre The coaching job has at times seemed too big for Galtier, who arrived last year in the wake of Mbappe's decision to snub Real Madrid and sign a new three-year contract. Mbappe -- scorer of 40 goals this season -- might wonder now if he made the right choice, although the question of his future is bound to come up again soon. According to reports, the 24-year-old's contract will run out next year unless he exercises an option to stay until 2025. However, PSG must now seek to rebuild with Mbappe the focal point more than ever. The ageing and out-of-contract Messi is expected to depart and the physically frail Neymar, now 31, is fading as a force. All eyes will be on what Luis Campos, PSG's Portuguese recruitment guru, does in the transfer market. He is restrained by UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules and by the fact that PSG have an array of unwanted players on big contracts who are set to return after a season on loan. The saving on Messi's annual salary of an estimated 30 million euros ($32.5m) net would provide some leeway. Much has been made of the willingness to focus on younger players hailing from the Paris region, a prolific breeding ground for talent. This, after all, is a club who have been stung by the decision to let so many prospects leave in recent years, from Kingsley Coman and Adrien Rabiot to Moussa Diaby, Christopher Nkunku and Mike Maignan. Galtier on the way out? The holy grail is the Champions League, in which PSG have gone out in the last 16 five times in seven seasons, regularly coming up short at the crucial moment. "Lots of teams want to go all the way but only one can do so," said Galtier. "To win the Champions League, or to give yourself a chance, you need to be on form in February and March and we were not." PSG have been here before, and Nasser al-Khelaifi, club president since the Qatari takeover of 2011, surely cannot afford to get another rebuild wrong. Qatari interest in buying Manchester United, via Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, has led to questions about the potential impact on PSG. Meanwhile, the club's owners continue to be thwarted in their attempts to buy the Parc des Princes from the city of Paris so they can expand capacity, raising the possibility of a move to the larger Stade de France. All of which means some uncertainty about what lies ahead, although Galtier at least knows his future is likely elsewhere. Under investigation over allegations that he made racist and discriminatory remarks to players when in charge at Nice last season, which he denies, Galtier's authority has diminished over the campaign. A new coach capable of commanding the dressing room's respect is required, and Jose Mourinho and Luis Enrique have been linked with the job. With PSG having gone backwards in two years with Messi, it remains to be seen if the latest rebuild succeeds where past attempts have failed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ligue 1: PSG in need of rebuild sans Messi

<p>Barcelona president Joan Laporta said on Monday the club will "do everything possible" to bring Argentine superstar Lionel Messi back in the close season. The Paris Saint-Germain forward is set to leave in the summer when his contract expires and new La Liga champions Barcelona are hoping to lure their all-time top goalscorer back, despite strong interest from Saudi Arabia.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Laporta on Messi deal: “We want Leo — we will not offer crazy figures for that or any other deal. We’ll try to make things work with viability plan, waiting for the approval”. 🔵🔴🇦🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCB</a><br />
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“Where would Leo play? Up to Xavi, it’s never an issue with the best player in the world”. <a href="https://t.co/56L0Ghr351">pic.twitter.com/56L0Ghr351</a></p>
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<p>Messi has had two lacklustre seasons in Paris after a glorious era at Barcelona where he won four Champions League and 10 La Liga titles, and is still worshipped by the fans there.</p>

<p>Laporta said he has spoken with Messi to try and rebuild the relationship between them, which was damaged when he left in 2021.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ligue-1-french-soccer-anti-homophobia-campaign-causes-row-592661">Ligue 1: French soccer anti-homophobia campaign causes row</a></p>

<p>Messi wanted to stay at Barcelona but the club could not afford to keep him because of debt of over one billion euros ($1.1 billion).</p>

<p>"I have spoken to Leo to somehow redirect a situation that occurred, in which I had to put the club ahead of everything, even him, who is the best player in the world," Laporta told Catalan regional public television station TV3. &nbsp;"The truth is that it was a very affectionate conversation, very pleasant, and we have also been sending each other messages lately -- I congratulated him on the World Cup."</p>

<p>In the early hours of Monday morning after Barcelona won 4-2 at Espanyol to clinch La Liga, Laporta said on Twitch that "we will do everything possible" to sign Messi.</p>

<p>However, speaking on TV3, he was more cautious.</p>

<p>"He is a Paris Saint-Germain player and what we will do is improve the team in all areas, we have already worked on that," said Laporta. "I think it would do me a disservice to talk about these questions about Leo, because he belongs to a team like Paris Saint-Germain, and we have to wait until the end of the season, until it is over and then we can talk more calmly about this."</p>

<p>AFP reported last week that sources close to negotiations said it was a "done deal" that Messi would move to Saudi Arabia next season.</p>

<p>However, Laporta said that despite the money on offer in the Middle East -- a reported 400 million dollars a year -- Barcelona could compete for Messi's signature.</p>

<p>"With all due respect to Saudi Arabia, Barca is Barca, and it is his home," added Laporta. "We can compete with everyone. History backs us, the feelings are too strong, we have 400 million fans around the world too."</p>

<p>Barcelona need to make over 200 million euros in savings, or new income, to be able to operate without restrictions under La Liga financial fair play rules.</p>


Barcelona president Joan Laporta said on Monday the club will "do everything possible" to bring Argentine superstar Lionel Messi back in the close season. The Paris Saint-Germain forward is set to leave in the summer when his contract expires and new La Liga champions Barcelona are hoping to lure their all-time top goalscorer back, despite strong interest from Saudi Arabia.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said on Monday the club will "do everything possible" to bring Argentine superstar Lionel Messi back in the close season. The Paris Saint-Germain forward is set to leave in the summer when his contract expires and new La Liga champions Barcelona are hoping to lure their all-time top goalscorer back, despite strong interest from Saudi Arabia. Laporta on Messi deal: “We want Leo — we will not offer crazy figures for that or any other deal. We’ll try to make things work with viability plan, waiting for the approval”. 🔵🔴🇦🇷 #FCB “Where would Leo play? Up to Xavi, it’s never an issue with the best player in the world”. pic.twitter.com/56L0Ghr351 — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 15, 2023 × Messi has had two lacklustre seasons in Paris after a glorious era at Barcelona where he won four Champions League and 10 La Liga titles, and is still worshipped by the fans there. Laporta said he has spoken with Messi to try and rebuild the relationship between them, which was damaged when he left in 2021. ALSO READ: Ligue 1: French soccer anti-homophobia campaign causes row Messi wanted to stay at Barcelona but the club could not afford to keep him because of debt of over one billion euros ($1.1 billion). "I have spoken to Leo to somehow redirect a situation that occurred, in which I had to put the club ahead of everything, even him, who is the best player in the world," Laporta told Catalan regional public television station TV3. "The truth is that it was a very affectionate conversation, very pleasant, and we have also been sending each other messages lately -- I congratulated him on the World Cup." In the early hours of Monday morning after Barcelona won 4-2 at Espanyol to clinch La Liga, Laporta said on Twitch that "we will do everything possible" to sign Messi. However, speaking on TV3, he was more cautious. "He is a Paris Saint-Germain player and what we will do is improve the team in all areas, we have already worked on that," said Laporta. "I think it would do me a disservice to talk about these questions about Leo, because he belongs to a team like Paris Saint-Germain, and we have to wait until the end of the season, until it is over and then we can talk more calmly about this." AFP reported last week that sources close to negotiations said it was a "done deal" that Messi would move to Saudi Arabia next season. However, Laporta said that despite the money on offer in the Middle East -- a reported 400 million dollars a year -- Barcelona could compete for Messi's signature. "With all due respect to Saudi Arabia, Barca is Barca, and it is his home," added Laporta. "We can compete with everyone. History backs us, the feelings are too strong, we have 400 million fans around the world too." Barcelona need to make over 200 million euros in savings, or new income, to be able to operate without restrictions under La Liga financial fair play rules.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says club will 'do everything possible' to bring Lionel Messi to Camp Nou

<p>Paris Saint-Germain closed in on a record 11th French league title with a 5-0 home win over Ajaccio on Saturday as Lionel Messi received a mixed reception on his return from suspension.</p>

<p>Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring on 22 minutes at the Parc des Princes and Achraf Hakimi added a second goal before Kylian Mbappe struck twice shortly after half-time.</p>

<p>Mohamed Youssouf compounded a miserable night for the Corsicans with an own goal for PSG's fifth, while Hakimi and Ajaccio midfielder Thomas Mangani were sent off after a late bust-up.</p>

<p>PSG need four points from their final three games -- against Auxerre, Strasbourg and Clermont -- to secure the Ligue 1 title after restoring their six-point lead over second-placed Lens.</p>

<p>"The players were very determined to put in a proper display. They want to be champions and they realise that Lens aren't giving up and a misstep could raise the pressure," said PSG coach Christophe Galtier.</p>

<p>Messi's name elicited a combination of whistles and applause when it was read out before kick-off after he was banned by the club for last weekend's match over an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>The Argentine again drew jeers with his early touches in what was likely his penultimate appearance in Paris ahead of a reported move to Saudi Arabia for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.</p>

<p>"So there are whistles but very quickly a large part of the stadium made sure to drown them out to support Leo," said Galtier.</p>

<p>"He stayed focused with the desire to liven up the game and create chances. He's used to it because he's been in difficult situations in his career."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three defeats in their past four home games for PSG had allowed Lens to stay in an unlikely title race, but Ajaccio offered little resistance as their relegation to Ligue 2 was confirmed.</p>

<p>Danilo's threaded pass was flicked into the path of Ruiz and the Spain midfielder took a couple of smart touches before finishing clinically for his second goal in as many games.</p>

<p>Hakimi then swept in the rebound after Mbappe's effort was parried by Francois-Joseph Sollacaro, with the goal allowed to stand despite the France striker using his arm to control in the build-up.</p>

<p>Mbappe hit the 25-goal mark for the fourth time early in the second half, slotting beyond Sollacaro after a scramble in the box to take over again as the league's top scorer this term.</p>

<p>He then produced a brilliant first-time volley to lash in PSG's fourth minutes later after a long ball forward from Sergio Ramos glanced off the head of a backtracking defender.</p>

<p>An unfortunate Youssouf diverted a shot from Marquinhos into his own net on 73 minutes and both teams finished with 10 players after a challenge on Messi triggered a needless scuffle.</p>

<p>Hakimi, who was sent off against Lorient two weeks ago, received his second red card in as many outings after getting into an altercation with Mangani that also led to his dismissal.</p>

<h2>Express Diallo</h2>

<p>Senegalese forward Habib Diallo scored inside the opening minute of a Ligue 1 game for the third time this year as he got both goals in Strasbourg's 2-0 win over Nice.</p>

<p>Diallo took his goals tally to 20 for the season and secured a fourth victory in five matches for Strasbourg which lifted them six points clear of the relegation zone.</p>

<p>Over two-thirds of his goals have come since January, when Strasbourg were second from bottom having won just once in 18 games.</p>

<p>His first against Nice came after 40 seconds as he controlled Ibrahima Sissoko's floated ball over the defence and steered past Kasper Schmeichel.</p>

<p>Diallo added a second from the penalty spot on the hour after Jean-Ricner Bellegarde was brought down in the area by Jordan Lotomba.</p>

<p>He is the first Strasbourg player to reach 20 goals in a top-flight season since 1977-78.</p>


Paris Saint-Germain closed in on a record 11th French league title with a 5-0 home win over Ajaccio on Saturday as Lionel Messi received a mixed reception on his return from suspension.

Paris Saint-Germain closed in on a record 11th French league title with a 5-0 home win over Ajaccio on Saturday as Lionel Messi received a mixed reception on his return from suspension. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring on 22 minutes at the Parc des Princes and Achraf Hakimi added a second goal before Kylian Mbappe struck twice shortly after half-time. Mohamed Youssouf compounded a miserable night for the Corsicans with an own goal for PSG's fifth, while Hakimi and Ajaccio midfielder Thomas Mangani were sent off after a late bust-up. PSG need four points from their final three games -- against Auxerre, Strasbourg and Clermont -- to secure the Ligue 1 title after restoring their six-point lead over second-placed Lens. "The players were very determined to put in a proper display. They want to be champions and they realise that Lens aren't giving up and a misstep could raise the pressure," said PSG coach Christophe Galtier. Messi's name elicited a combination of whistles and applause when it was read out before kick-off after he was banned by the club for last weekend's match over an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. The Argentine again drew jeers with his early touches in what was likely his penultimate appearance in Paris ahead of a reported move to Saudi Arabia for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner. "So there are whistles but very quickly a large part of the stadium made sure to drown them out to support Leo," said Galtier. "He stayed focused with the desire to liven up the game and create chances. He's used to it because he's been in difficult situations in his career." Three defeats in their past four home games for PSG had allowed Lens to stay in an unlikely title race, but Ajaccio offered little resistance as their relegation to Ligue 2 was confirmed. Danilo's threaded pass was flicked into the path of Ruiz and the Spain midfielder took a couple of smart touches before finishing clinically for his second goal in as many games. Hakimi then swept in the rebound after Mbappe's effort was parried by Francois-Joseph Sollacaro, with the goal allowed to stand despite the France striker using his arm to control in the build-up. Mbappe hit the 25-goal mark for the fourth time early in the second half, slotting beyond Sollacaro after a scramble in the box to take over again as the league's top scorer this term. He then produced a brilliant first-time volley to lash in PSG's fourth minutes later after a long ball forward from Sergio Ramos glanced off the head of a backtracking defender. An unfortunate Youssouf diverted a shot from Marquinhos into his own net on 73 minutes and both teams finished with 10 players after a challenge on Messi triggered a needless scuffle. Hakimi, who was sent off against Lorient two weeks ago, received his second red card in as many outings after getting into an altercation with Mangani that also led to his dismissal. Express Diallo Senegalese forward Habib Diallo scored inside the opening minute of a Ligue 1 game for the third time this year as he got both goals in Strasbourg's 2-0 win over Nice. Diallo took his goals tally to 20 for the season and secured a fourth victory in five matches for Strasbourg which lifted them six points clear of the relegation zone. Over two-thirds of his goals have come since January, when Strasbourg were second from bottom having won just once in 18 games. His first against Nice came after 40 seconds as he controlled Ibrahima Sissoko's floated ball over the defence and steered past Kasper Schmeichel. Diallo added a second from the penalty spot on the hour after Jean-Ricner Bellegarde was brought down in the area by Jordan Lotomba. He is the first Strasbourg player to reach 20 goals in a top-flight season since 1977-78.

Ligue 1: Messi jeered during return game as PSG inch closer to title

Jose Mourinho is on track to guide AS Roma to back-to-back European titles after the Italian club defeated Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals. The Portuguese though may not remain at the helm of the Italian club after this season after being linked with French giants Paris Saint-Germain. The French champions have been eyeing the elusive Champions League title since being bought by the Qatar Investment authority in 2011. Since then they have had six managers but none have delivered Champions League glory.

Will Mourinho be the next PSG manager?

<p>Lionel&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;will start Paris St Germain's Ligue 1 home game against AC Ajaccio on Saturday after returning to training following a club-imposed suspension, coach Christophe Galtier said on Friday. "I spoke with him on Tuesday to see what his mindset was and I found him very determined to play... He will start tomorrow," Galtier told a press conference.</p>

<p>Messi&nbsp;was back in training on Monday after being suspended for making an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia and missing a training session as a result. French media reported that&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;was suspended for two weeks after making the trip when he was supposed to train with the squad the day after the Ligue 1 leaders' 3-1 defeat to Lorient last month.</p>

<p>Messi&nbsp;apologised to PSG and his team mates last Friday and was left out of the squad for their 3-1 win at second-bottom Troyes two days later. PSG are six points clear of Lens and eight in front of third-placed Olympique de Marseille with four games remaining this season. Messi's future at PSG has been the subject of much speculation recently, with a source close to the Argentina captain telling Reuters that he had received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-will-attract-players-even-without-champions-league-says-liverpool-manager-jurgen-klopp-591668">We will attract players even without Champions League, says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp</a></strong></p>

<p>The player's focus is on winning the French title, however, Galtier said. "He's very eager to win that title," the coach said. "With him in the team we'll have to adjust compared to what we did against Troyes. Leo is Leo. I'm not going to go into statistics but when he's with us we have to strike a different balance."</p>

<p>PSG's season has been well below expectations, having suffered early eliminations in the Champions League and the French Cup. Lens will move provisionally three points behind PSG if they beat Stade de Reims at home later on Friday. PSG have lost three of their last four home games.</p>


Lionel Messi will start Paris St Germain's Ligue 1 home game against AC Ajaccio on Saturday after returning to training following a club-imposed suspension, coach Christophe Galtier said on Friday.

Lionel Messi will start Paris St Germain's Ligue 1 home game against AC Ajaccio on Saturday after returning to training following a club-imposed suspension, coach Christophe Galtier said on Friday. "I spoke with him on Tuesday to see what his mindset was and I found him very determined to play... He will start tomorrow," Galtier told a press conference. Messi was back in training on Monday after being suspended for making an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia and missing a training session as a result. French media reported that Messi was suspended for two weeks after making the trip when he was supposed to train with the squad the day after the Ligue 1 leaders' 3-1 defeat to Lorient last month. Messi apologised to PSG and his team mates last Friday and was left out of the squad for their 3-1 win at second-bottom Troyes two days later. PSG are six points clear of Lens and eight in front of third-placed Olympique de Marseille with four games remaining this season. Messi's future at PSG has been the subject of much speculation recently, with a source close to the Argentina captain telling Reuters that he had received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season. Also Read: We will attract players even without Champions League, says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp The player's focus is on winning the French title, however, Galtier said. "He's very eager to win that title," the coach said. "With him in the team we'll have to adjust compared to what we did against Troyes. Leo is Leo. I'm not going to go into statistics but when he's with us we have to strike a different balance." PSG's season has been well below expectations, having suffered early eliminations in the Champions League and the French Cup. Lens will move provisionally three points behind PSG if they beat Stade de Reims at home later on Friday. PSG have lost three of their last four home games.

Lionel Messi to start for PSG vs Ajaccio after in-house suspension

<p>Lionel Messi has been in the news ever since he made a promotional visit to Saudi Arabia without the permission of his French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Since then, the club suspended him but the Argentina captain was seen training on&nbsp;his own at the Ligue 1 leaders' facility&nbsp;on Monday (May 8). However,&nbsp;the rest of the first team enjoyed a day off after their 3-1&nbsp;win over Troyes on Sunday (May 7).&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per sources, who told&nbsp;ESPN, PSG have shortened Messi's suspension after the 35-year-old apologised to the club, his teammates, and fans for his visit to Saudi and missing the team's practice last week. Following his apology, the club has reduced his suspension period;&nbsp;initially reported by French media to be of two weeks.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-captain-lionel-messi-and-sprint-champion-shelly-ann-fraser-pryce-win-top-laureus-awards-590472">Argentina captain Lionel Messi and sprint champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce win top Laureus awards</a></strong></p>

<p>It is to be noted that Messi will still be fined two weeks' wages, approximately a whopping €1.6 million, the sources further revealed.</p>

<p>On Monday, PSG's official Twitter handle shared&nbsp;a picture of Messi training and captioned it: "The Argentinian striker from Paris Saint-Germain was back in training on Monday 8 May."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">⚽️🔛 Leo Messi back in training this Monday morning. <a href="https://t.co/Neo6GEWEIm">pic.twitter.com/Neo6GEWEIm</a></p>
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) <a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_English/status/1655530957527568384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Messi is, thus, expected to be available for selection for PSG's upcoming game versus Ajaccio on Sunday (May 14). His future with the club remains under dark clouds as it has been reported that he is unlikely to extend his contract, which will expire in June 2023. There are speculations that Messi is set to head to Saudi and join Al-Hilal for a mammoth deal.</p>


Lionel Messi has been in the news ever since he made a promotional visit to Saudi Arabia without the permission of his French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Since then, the club suspended him but the Argentina captain was seen training on his own at the Ligue 1 leaders' facility on Monday (May 8).

Lionel Messi has been in the news ever since he made a promotional visit to Saudi Arabia without the permission of his French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Since then, the club suspended him but the Argentina captain was seen training on his own at the Ligue 1 leaders' facility on Monday (May 8). However, the rest of the first team enjoyed a day off after their 3-1 win over Troyes on Sunday (May 7). As per sources, who told ESPN, PSG have shortened Messi's suspension after the 35-year-old apologised to the club, his teammates, and fans for his visit to Saudi and missing the team's practice last week. Following his apology, the club has reduced his suspension period; initially reported by French media to be of two weeks. Also Read: Argentina captain Lionel Messi and sprint champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce win top Laureus awards It is to be noted that Messi will still be fined two weeks' wages, approximately a whopping €1.6 million, the sources further revealed. On Monday, PSG's official Twitter handle shared a picture of Messi training and captioned it: "The Argentinian striker from Paris Saint-Germain was back in training on Monday 8 May." ⚽️🔛 Leo Messi back in training this Monday morning. pic.twitter.com/Neo6GEWEIm — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 8, 2023 × Messi is, thus, expected to be available for selection for PSG's upcoming game versus Ajaccio on Sunday (May 14). His future with the club remains under dark clouds as it has been reported that he is unlikely to extend his contract, which will expire in June 2023. There are speculations that Messi is set to head to Saudi and join Al-Hilal for a mammoth deal.

PSG shorten Lionel Messi's suspension after Saudi trip, available for selection for Ajaccio tie - Reports

<p>World Cup winner with Argentina, Lionel Messi could be on his way to Saudi Arabia this summer after his contract with Ligue 1 leaders PSG expires. As per the latest report, the 35-year-old is considering signing a mega £320m-a-year deal with Al Hilal, which is in direct competition with Al-Nassr – a club for which Cristiano Ronaldo plays.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not only this, but Messi’s former teammates at FC Barcelona – Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba – both of whom will also be free agents on June 30th this year, are expected to sign for Al-Hilal in a record-shattering move, as per Spanish outlet El Chiringuito.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champion-league-preview-real-madrid-host-pep-guardiolas-man-city-san-siro-prepares-for-milan-derby-590250">Champion League Preview: Real Madrid host Pep Guardiola's Man City; San Siro prepares for Milan derby</a></p>

<p>Messi, who recently was handed a two-week suspension by PSG for his unauthorised visit to Saudi Arabia for a commercial shoot, is in no rush to decide on his future, and instead is concentrating on finishing on a high by winning the league title.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leo Messi wants to win the Ligue1 then assess his options at the end of the season — no decision now. ✨🇦🇷<br />
<br />
◉ Al Hilal €400m/season bid on the table since April but nothing agreed yet;<br />
<br />
◉ Barça insisting — not easy due to Financial Fair Play.<br />
<br />
More: <a href="https://t.co/RwhIJHN3lC">https://t.co/RwhIJHN3lC</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZBSR35FCww">pic.twitter.com/ZBSR35FCww</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1655583267205021697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The past Monday was supposed to be an off day for PSG players, but following the side’s 3-1 defeat to Lorient the previous day, manager Christophe Galtier ordered an additional training session.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With Messi on his way to Riyadh for his contracted tourism related shoot that further pays him £25m-a-year, he couldn’t return well in time, and PSG suspended him for 15 days and also docked some wages.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, after the news of his suspension broke out, it also got revealed that Messi’s camp had earlier informed PSG that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will not continue his stint in France.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soon after, reports emerged that FC Barcelona are plotting Messi’s sensational return at Camp Nou by selling several first team players, including star winger Raphinha. Other than FC Barcelona, MLS club Inter Miami has also shown interest in bringing the greatest footballer to USA, though no serious efforts for the same have been made by either.</p>

<p>A few days later, on Friday, Messi apologised to the PSG fans in a video recorded message, and on Monday, it got reported that he joined the training session amid suspension.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leo Messi statement 🚨🇦🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a><br />
<br />
“I thought we were going to have a day off after the game as always. I had this trip organized and I couldn't cancel it. I had already canceled it before…”.<br />
<br />
“I apologize to my teammates and I'm waiting for what the club wants to do with me”. <a href="https://t.co/GBuarEgwSl">pic.twitter.com/GBuarEgwSl</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1654506639930667009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>PSG defeated Troyes 3-1 in their latest encounter and have inched closer to the league title.</p>


World Cup winner with Argentina, Lionel Messi could be on his way to Saudi Arabia this summer after his contract with Ligue 1 leaders PSG expires. As per the latest report, the 35-year-old is considering signing a mega £320m-a-year deal with Al Hilal, which is in direct competition with Al-Nassr – a club for which Cristiano Ronaldo plays.

World Cup winner with Argentina, Lionel Messi could be on his way to Saudi Arabia this summer after his contract with Ligue 1 leaders PSG expires. As per the latest report, the 35-year-old is considering signing a mega £320m-a-year deal with Al Hilal, which is in direct competition with Al-Nassr – a club for which Cristiano Ronaldo plays. Not only this, but Messi’s former teammates at FC Barcelona – Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba – both of whom will also be free agents on June 30th this year, are expected to sign for Al-Hilal in a record-shattering move, as per Spanish outlet El Chiringuito. ALSO READ: Champion League Preview: Real Madrid host Pep Guardiola's Man City; San Siro prepares for Milan derby Messi, who recently was handed a two-week suspension by PSG for his unauthorised visit to Saudi Arabia for a commercial shoot, is in no rush to decide on his future, and instead is concentrating on finishing on a high by winning the league title. Leo Messi wants to win the Ligue1 then assess his options at the end of the season — no decision now. ✨🇦🇷 ◉ Al Hilal €400m/season bid on the table since April but nothing agreed yet; ◉ Barça insisting — not easy due to Financial Fair Play. More: https://t.co/RwhIJHN3lC pic.twitter.com/ZBSR35FCww — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 8, 2023 × The past Monday was supposed to be an off day for PSG players, but following the side’s 3-1 defeat to Lorient the previous day, manager Christophe Galtier ordered an additional training session. With Messi on his way to Riyadh for his contracted tourism related shoot that further pays him £25m-a-year, he couldn’t return well in time, and PSG suspended him for 15 days and also docked some wages. Meanwhile, after the news of his suspension broke out, it also got revealed that Messi’s camp had earlier informed PSG that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will not continue his stint in France. Soon after, reports emerged that FC Barcelona are plotting Messi’s sensational return at Camp Nou by selling several first team players, including star winger Raphinha. Other than FC Barcelona, MLS club Inter Miami has also shown interest in bringing the greatest footballer to USA, though no serious efforts for the same have been made by either. A few days later, on Friday, Messi apologised to the PSG fans in a video recorded message, and on Monday, it got reported that he joined the training session amid suspension. Leo Messi statement 🚨🇦🇷 #Messi “I thought we were going to have a day off after the game as always. I had this trip organized and I couldn't cancel it. I had already canceled it before…”. “I apologize to my teammates and I'm waiting for what the club wants to do with me”. pic.twitter.com/GBuarEgwSl — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2023 × PSG defeated Troyes 3-1 in their latest encounter and have inched closer to the league title.

Lionel Messi on his way to Saudi following PSG fallout, to be joined by former teammates at Al Hilal - Reports

<p>Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has once again attracted the attention of the world as he seeks an exit from French champions Paris Saint-Germain. According to reports, Messi’s father has told PSG about his son’s potential exit from the club, leaving him as a free agent at the end of the season and ready to join any club in the world. But what has triggered the situation and which colours will he don next season?</p>

<h2>Messi nears PSG exit</h2>

<p>21 months ago then Barcelona captain Messi was tipped to sign a new contract with Barcelona before his exit from the Spanish giants was confirmed. Two years on unlike long talks of instability, Messi is certain to leave the French champions to kick start a new journey. The season is already a hit for the Argentina captain having already pocketed the World Cup title in Qatar and a more likely Ligue 1 title on its way.</p>

<h2>What triggered the situation?</h2>

<p>Winning league titles was not a problem for PSG before Messi’s arrival as they had dominated the domestic circuit with eight league titles in nine years. With them already at the top of the Ligue 1, PSG will become record league champions with the 11th title while Messi will also add a 12th league title to his illustrious trophy cabinet.</p>

<p>However, failure to compete in the Champions League remains a major obstacle for Messi’s departure. In two season at the club, PSG have failed to progress beyond the R16 in Europe’s top competition, creating doubts over the club’s ambitions. In fact, PSG’s best years came before the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s arrival where they had reached the final and the semifinal of the Champions League in 2020 and 2021 respectively.</p>

<h2>Messi’s suspension by PSG</h2>

<p>Messi was supposed to train with the club following a 1-3 defeat at home against Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday, April 30 but instead flew to Saudi Arabia, and getting suspended for two weeks.</p>

<p>With an early exit in the Champions League and domestic cup competitions, the 35-year-old did look disinterested in completing the season. Also one of the major reasons could be the lack of competition in the league compared to his Barcelona days where he faced the likes of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to thrive for bigger heights.</p>

<h2>What next for Messi?</h2>

<p>As things stand, the Argentine legend is linked with several clubs including former side Barcelona, while the likes of Al-Hilal and Inter Miami also stay in the hunt for the World Cup-winning Messi. While Manchester City are not in the conversation, they and city rivals United remain the only clubs capable of affording Messi on their wage bill.</p>

<h2>Why Messi's return to Barcelona looks improbable?</h2>

<p>A match made in heaven, the Argentina captain’s best days came during his Barcelona days and with former teammate Xavi Hernandez at the helm, a return to the Spanish side is on the cards. However, with Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions looming over the Catalan club, the move could collapse their current wage structure while also leaving doubts over the future of talented youngsters.</p>

<p>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/babar-azams-record-smashing-ton-helps-pakistan-win-4th-odi-vs-nz-claim-number-1-ranking-for-first-time-589474">Babar Azam's record-smashing ton helps Pakistan win 4th ODI vs NZ, claim number 1 ranking for first time</a></p>

<p>In order to sign Messi, Barcelona will first have to trigger a rapid-fire sale of players and get them off the wage structure. They will have to sell certain players while also asking a few players to take a wage cut to balance the financial bill. With Messi aging and fast forward five years, selling young prospects won’t make sense for the club for a player who will only serve as a potential backup and won’t make Starting XI for the majority of the season. Also, Messi will need to take a wage cut to move to the La Liga leaders.</p>

<h2>Other options</h2>

<p>One club that has the financial strength to sign Messi is Saudi Pro League’s Al-Hilal, who have no sanctions over the FFP and are the most successful club in the Asian Champions League. Al-Hilal have made it to the Asian Champions League final on six occasions in the last 10 seasons and have a fierce rivalry with city rivals Al-Nassr.</p>

<p>Al-Nassr currently own the services of Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s old El Clasico foe and could trigger Al-Hilal to sign the 35-year-old.</p>

<p>According to reports, Messi has received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season, a source close to Argentina's World Cup-winning captain told Reuters on Thursday (May 4). The offer from the Saudi club is the only one Messi has received so far, the source added.</p>

<p>Argentine media have reported that the offer is worth around $400 million a year. Al-Hilal did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of normal business hours.</p>

<p>David Beckham-owned Inter Miami are also an option, but playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) won’t necessarily match Messi’s ambitions with wage structure also an issue. For now, though Messi will train and play with PSG while the exit gets closer at the end of the Ligue 1 season where PSG still have work to do to win the French League.</p>

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Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has once again attracted the attention of the world as he seeks an exit from French champions Paris Saint-Germain. According to reports, Messi’s father has told PSG about his son’s potential exit from the club, leaving him as a free agent at the end of the season and ready to join any club in the world.

Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has once again attracted the attention of the world as he seeks an exit from French champions Paris Saint-Germain. According to reports, Messi’s father has told PSG about his son’s potential exit from the club, leaving him as a free agent at the end of the season and ready to join any club in the world. But what has triggered the situation and which colours will he don next season? Messi nears PSG exit 21 months ago then Barcelona captain Messi was tipped to sign a new contract with Barcelona before his exit from the Spanish giants was confirmed. Two years on unlike long talks of instability, Messi is certain to leave the French champions to kick start a new journey. The season is already a hit for the Argentina captain having already pocketed the World Cup title in Qatar and a more likely Ligue 1 title on its way. What triggered the situation? Winning league titles was not a problem for PSG before Messi’s arrival as they had dominated the domestic circuit with eight league titles in nine years. With them already at the top of the Ligue 1, PSG will become record league champions with the 11th title while Messi will also add a 12th league title to his illustrious trophy cabinet. However, failure to compete in the Champions League remains a major obstacle for Messi’s departure. In two season at the club, PSG have failed to progress beyond the R16 in Europe’s top competition, creating doubts over the club’s ambitions. In fact, PSG’s best years came before the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s arrival where they had reached the final and the semifinal of the Champions League in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Messi’s suspension by PSG Messi was supposed to train with the club following a 1-3 defeat at home against Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday, April 30 but instead flew to Saudi Arabia, and getting suspended for two weeks. With an early exit in the Champions League and domestic cup competitions, the 35-year-old did look disinterested in completing the season. Also one of the major reasons could be the lack of competition in the league compared to his Barcelona days where he faced the likes of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to thrive for bigger heights. What next for Messi? As things stand, the Argentine legend is linked with several clubs including former side Barcelona, while the likes of Al-Hilal and Inter Miami also stay in the hunt for the World Cup-winning Messi. While Manchester City are not in the conversation, they and city rivals United remain the only clubs capable of affording Messi on their wage bill. Why Messi's return to Barcelona looks improbable? A match made in heaven, the Argentina captain’s best days came during his Barcelona days and with former teammate Xavi Hernandez at the helm, a return to the Spanish side is on the cards. However, with Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions looming over the Catalan club, the move could collapse their current wage structure while also leaving doubts over the future of talented youngsters. ALSO READ | Babar Azam's record-smashing ton helps Pakistan win 4th ODI vs NZ, claim number 1 ranking for first time In order to sign Messi, Barcelona will first have to trigger a rapid-fire sale of players and get them off the wage structure. They will have to sell certain players while also asking a few players to take a wage cut to balance the financial bill. With Messi aging and fast forward five years, selling young prospects won’t make sense for the club for a player who will only serve as a potential backup and won’t make Starting XI for the majority of the season. Also, Messi will need to take a wage cut to move to the La Liga leaders. Other options One club that has the financial strength to sign Messi is Saudi Pro League’s Al-Hilal, who have no sanctions over the FFP and are the most successful club in the Asian Champions League. Al-Hilal have made it to the Asian Champions League final on six occasions in the last 10 seasons and have a fierce rivalry with city rivals Al-Nassr. Al-Nassr currently own the services of Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s old El Clasico foe and could trigger Al-Hilal to sign the 35-year-old. According to reports, Messi has received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season, a source close to Argentina's World Cup-winning captain told Reuters on Thursday (May 4). The offer from the Saudi club is the only one Messi has received so far, the source added. Argentine media have reported that the offer is worth around $400 million a year. Al-Hilal did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of normal business hours. David Beckham-owned Inter Miami are also an option, but playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) won’t necessarily match Messi’s ambitions with wage structure also an issue. For now, though Messi will train and play with PSG while the exit gets closer at the end of the Ligue 1 season where PSG still have work to do to win the French League. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EXPLAINED | Lionel Messi's PSG situation and where could he play next season

<p>Lionel Messi on Friday apologised for going on an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia that led to Argentina's World Cup-winning captain being suspended by his club Paris Saint-Germain.</p>

<p>"I want to apologise obviously to my teammates and to the club," Messi said in a video posted on Instagram to his 458 million followers.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leo Messi statement 🚨🇦🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a><br />
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“I thought we were going to have a day off after the game as always. I had this trip organized and I couldn't cancel it. I had already canceled it before…”.<br />
<br />
“I apologize to my teammates and I'm waiting for what the club wants to do with me”. <a href="https://t.co/GBuarEgwSl">pic.twitter.com/GBuarEgwSl</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1654506639930667009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>He was suspended by the Qatar-owned club after failing to turn up for training on Monday, a day after their 3-1 home defeat by Lorient in Ligue 1. Instead, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner travelled to Saudi Arabia without PSG's permission to fulfil commitments as part of a contract with the country's tourist office.</p>

<p>"I honestly thought we were going to have the day off after the match as had happened in the previous weeks," he said. "I had organised this trip to Saudi Arabia having cancelled it previously. This time I couldn't cancel it. I am sorry for what I did and I wait to see what the club decides to do."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/napoli-fan-dies-after-sustaining-wounds-from-celebratory-gunshot-589331">Napoli fan dies after sustaining wounds from celebratory gunshots</a></p>

<p>The affair has made it increasingly unlikely that Messi will remain at PSG beyond this season, when his two-year contract with the club expires.</p>

<p>A source with knowledge of the disciplinary procedure told AFP that Messi would be sidelined for "several days", and he is therefore set to play no part in PSG's match against Troyes this weekend in Ligue 1.</p>

<p>Various media in France said he would be suspended for two weeks, although AFP has not been able to confirm those reports.</p>

<p>PSG, who are five points clear at the top of Ligue 1, will have just four more matches remaining this season following their game against Troyes.</p>

<p>"We will see when Leo comes back. We will see what happens. Obviously there will be discussions with the club as a whole but also with Leo because this concerns him first and foremost," PSG coach Christophe Galtier said on Friday when asked if Messi would play for the team again.</p>

<p>Galtier also said that the decision to suspend the 35-year-old Messi was not his to take in the first place.</p>

<p>"It wasn't my decision to take. I was informed of the decision and I defer to it," he insisted.</p>

<p>PSG fans angry at the way the club has been run in recent seasons under Qatari ownership this week protested in front of their offices and even gathered outside Neymar's home in the Paris suburb of Bougival to voice their discontent.</p>

<p>The club have boosted security at their training ground and at the homes of Messi and Neymar as a result.</p>

<p>Messi has spent less than two years at the club since his high-profile move from Barcelona.</p>

<p>He has scored 31 goals in 71 appearances for the French champions and won the Ligue 1 title last season. Messi has netted 20 goals in all competitions this season and is the leading assist provider in Ligue 1, with 15.</p>

<p>However, his form since leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar has declined along with that of most of the PSG team.</p>


Lionel Messi on Friday apologised for going on an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia that led to Argentina's World Cup-winning captain being suspended by his club Paris Saint-Germain.

Lionel Messi on Friday apologised for going on an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia that led to Argentina's World Cup-winning captain being suspended by his club Paris Saint-Germain. "I want to apologise obviously to my teammates and to the club," Messi said in a video posted on Instagram to his 458 million followers. Leo Messi statement 🚨🇦🇷 #Messi “I thought we were going to have a day off after the game as always. I had this trip organized and I couldn't cancel it. I had already canceled it before…”. “I apologize to my teammates and I'm waiting for what the club wants to do with me”. pic.twitter.com/GBuarEgwSl — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2023 × He was suspended by the Qatar-owned club after failing to turn up for training on Monday, a day after their 3-1 home defeat by Lorient in Ligue 1. Instead, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner travelled to Saudi Arabia without PSG's permission to fulfil commitments as part of a contract with the country's tourist office. "I honestly thought we were going to have the day off after the match as had happened in the previous weeks," he said. "I had organised this trip to Saudi Arabia having cancelled it previously. This time I couldn't cancel it. I am sorry for what I did and I wait to see what the club decides to do." ALSO READ: Napoli fan dies after sustaining wounds from celebratory gunshots The affair has made it increasingly unlikely that Messi will remain at PSG beyond this season, when his two-year contract with the club expires. A source with knowledge of the disciplinary procedure told AFP that Messi would be sidelined for "several days", and he is therefore set to play no part in PSG's match against Troyes this weekend in Ligue 1. Various media in France said he would be suspended for two weeks, although AFP has not been able to confirm those reports. PSG, who are five points clear at the top of Ligue 1, will have just four more matches remaining this season following their game against Troyes. "We will see when Leo comes back. We will see what happens. Obviously there will be discussions with the club as a whole but also with Leo because this concerns him first and foremost," PSG coach Christophe Galtier said on Friday when asked if Messi would play for the team again. Galtier also said that the decision to suspend the 35-year-old Messi was not his to take in the first place. "It wasn't my decision to take. I was informed of the decision and I defer to it," he insisted. PSG fans angry at the way the club has been run in recent seasons under Qatari ownership this week protested in front of their offices and even gathered outside Neymar's home in the Paris suburb of Bougival to voice their discontent. The club have boosted security at their training ground and at the homes of Messi and Neymar as a result. Messi has spent less than two years at the club since his high-profile move from Barcelona. He has scored 31 goals in 71 appearances for the French champions and won the Ligue 1 title last season. Messi has netted 20 goals in all competitions this season and is the leading assist provider in Ligue 1, with 15. However, his form since leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar has declined along with that of most of the PSG team.

WATCH VIDEO - Lionel Messi issues apology to PSG fans for unauthorised Saudi trip

<p>Lionel Messi's future at PSG was plunged into doubt on Wednesday after he was suspended by Paris Saint-Germain for travelling to Saudi Arabia without the club's permission. A source with knowledge of the disciplinary procedure told AFP that Argentina's 35-year-old World-Cup winning captain, who is out of contract at the end of the season, would be sidelined for "several days", while various media in France reported that he would be suspended for two weeks.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. There are no doubts about that anymore.<br />
<br />
Behind the scenes, it’s now understood that Leo’s father Jorge communicated the decision to PSG already one month ago due to the project.<br />
<br />
It was the final breaking point. <a href="https://t.co/Bwehuvyq1E">pic.twitter.com/Bwehuvyq1E</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1653765619563614209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"He cannot train, cannot play, and will not be paid while disciplinary measures are in place," the source added.</p>

<p>Another source, also speaking on condition they were not identified, indicated that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner would "probably" be sidelined for a fortnight, noting that "nobody is more important than the club".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-to-leave-psg-at-end-of-season-father-jorge-communicates-decision-to-club-report-588602">Lionel Messi to leave PSG at end of season, father Jorge communicates decision to club - Report</a></p>

<p>Messi played the whole game in PSG's 3-1 home defeat by Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday. He then travelled to Saudi Arabia to fulfil commercial commitments in his role as a tourism ambassador for the Gulf state.</p>

<p>The Saudi Tourism Authority said in a press release on Wednesday that Messi had "returned to Saudi for a second time, this time with his family" and had been treated to a demonstration of palm weaving and had fed Arabian gazelles.</p>

<p>As a result of the trip, Messi missed a training session scheduled for Monday following the weekend defeat. The PSG squad were given a day off on Tuesday and Messi did not take part in training on Wednesday either.</p>

<p><strong>&nbsp;'Fed up with mercenaries'</strong></p>

<p>PSG are due to return to league action away at struggling Troyes on Sunday, a game that Messi may now miss.</p>

<p>If he were to be sidelined for two weeks, he would also sit out a home match against Ajaccio on May 13.</p>

<p>The disciplinary measures make the prospect of Messi staying in the French capital after his two-year deal expires at the end of this season even more remote.</p>

<p>Having at one point looked set to extend his stay for another year, a source close to the club told AFP last month that he was now "much more likely" to depart.</p>

<p>Messi arrived from Barcelona, the club where he had spent the majority of his career, in 2021 but has struggled to reproduce his best form at Qatar-backed Paris. Despite that, he has scored 31 goals in 71 appearances in all competitions.</p>

<p>He was recently jeered by a section of the PSG support, who see him as a symbol of all the club have done wrong in focusing on superstar signings while failing to build a genuinely competitive team.</p>

<p>Messi has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season and is the leading assist provider in Ligue 1, with 15.</p>

<p>However, his form since leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar has declined along with that of most of the PSG team.</p>

<p>Their insipid performance against Lorient was a sixth defeat in 17 Ligue 1 matches in 2023.</p>

<p>They remain five points clear of Marseille at the top of the table with five games left, and are therefore still on course for a record 11th French title.</p>

<p>However, they were knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16 by Bayern Munich and also went out of the French Cup at the same stage to Marseille.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, hundreds of fans gathered at the club to protest over PSG's current form and the Messi saga.</p>

<p>"We're fed up with mercenaries! We must sack Messi! We must sack Nasser Al-Khelaifi (the club's Qatari president)," supporters chanted. "We are sincerely worried about the future and the sustainability of our club," the team's 'ultras' supporters said in a statement, adding "is there still a pilot on the plane?"</p>

<p><strong>WATCH VIDEO -</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Paris Saint-Germain fans outside club’s HQ chanting against Leo Messi 🚨😳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a><br />
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🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/CanalSupporters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanalSupporters</a><a href="https://t.co/a5011uUklU">pic.twitter.com/a5011uUklU</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1653806125324673024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, several videos posted on Twitter appeared to show a group of supporters, dressed in black gathered in front of the home of Neymar, shouting abuse at their injured Brazilian superstar.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 PSG fans went to Neymar's house to demand he leaves the club. 👀<br />
<br />
🗣️ “Neymar, get out! Neymar, get out!"<br />
<br />
(🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/parisientimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@parisientimes</a>)<a href="https://t.co/RJjZdTfo3s">pic.twitter.com/RJjZdTfo3s</a></p>
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeadlineDayLive/status/1653853330668507136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Lionel Messi's future at PSG was plunged into doubt on Wednesday after he was suspended by Paris Saint-Germain for travelling to Saudi Arabia without the club's permission.

Lionel Messi's future at PSG was plunged into doubt on Wednesday after he was suspended by Paris Saint-Germain for travelling to Saudi Arabia without the club's permission. A source with knowledge of the disciplinary procedure told AFP that Argentina's 35-year-old World-Cup winning captain, who is out of contract at the end of the season, would be sidelined for "several days", while various media in France reported that he would be suspended for two weeks. 🚨 Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. There are no doubts about that anymore. Behind the scenes, it’s now understood that Leo’s father Jorge communicated the decision to PSG already one month ago due to the project. It was the final breaking point. pic.twitter.com/Bwehuvyq1E — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 3, 2023 × "He cannot train, cannot play, and will not be paid while disciplinary measures are in place," the source added. Another source, also speaking on condition they were not identified, indicated that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner would "probably" be sidelined for a fortnight, noting that "nobody is more important than the club". ALSO READ: Lionel Messi to leave PSG at end of season, father Jorge communicates decision to club - Report Messi played the whole game in PSG's 3-1 home defeat by Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday. He then travelled to Saudi Arabia to fulfil commercial commitments in his role as a tourism ambassador for the Gulf state. The Saudi Tourism Authority said in a press release on Wednesday that Messi had "returned to Saudi for a second time, this time with his family" and had been treated to a demonstration of palm weaving and had fed Arabian gazelles. As a result of the trip, Messi missed a training session scheduled for Monday following the weekend defeat. The PSG squad were given a day off on Tuesday and Messi did not take part in training on Wednesday either. 'Fed up with mercenaries' PSG are due to return to league action away at struggling Troyes on Sunday, a game that Messi may now miss. If he were to be sidelined for two weeks, he would also sit out a home match against Ajaccio on May 13. The disciplinary measures make the prospect of Messi staying in the French capital after his two-year deal expires at the end of this season even more remote. Having at one point looked set to extend his stay for another year, a source close to the club told AFP last month that he was now "much more likely" to depart. Messi arrived from Barcelona, the club where he had spent the majority of his career, in 2021 but has struggled to reproduce his best form at Qatar-backed Paris. Despite that, he has scored 31 goals in 71 appearances in all competitions. He was recently jeered by a section of the PSG support, who see him as a symbol of all the club have done wrong in focusing on superstar signings while failing to build a genuinely competitive team. Messi has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season and is the leading assist provider in Ligue 1, with 15. However, his form since leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar has declined along with that of most of the PSG team. Their insipid performance against Lorient was a sixth defeat in 17 Ligue 1 matches in 2023. They remain five points clear of Marseille at the top of the table with five games left, and are therefore still on course for a record 11th French title. However, they were knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16 by Bayern Munich and also went out of the French Cup at the same stage to Marseille. Meanwhile, hundreds of fans gathered at the club to protest over PSG's current form and the Messi saga. "We're fed up with mercenaries! We must sack Messi! We must sack Nasser Al-Khelaifi (the club's Qatari president)," supporters chanted. "We are sincerely worried about the future and the sustainability of our club," the team's 'ultras' supporters said in a statement, adding "is there still a pilot on the plane?" WATCH VIDEO - Paris Saint-Germain fans outside club’s HQ chanting against Leo Messi 🚨😳 #Messi 🎥 @CanalSupporterspic.twitter.com/a5011uUklU — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 3, 2023 × Meanwhile, several videos posted on Twitter appeared to show a group of supporters, dressed in black gathered in front of the home of Neymar, shouting abuse at their injured Brazilian superstar. 🚨 PSG fans went to Neymar's house to demand he leaves the club. 👀 🗣️ “Neymar, get out! Neymar, get out!" (🎥 @parisientimes)pic.twitter.com/RJjZdTfo3s — Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 3, 2023 ×

Fed up PSG fans chant ‘We must sack Messi’ amid reports of Argentine star leaving club after current season

<p>Lionel Messi is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain according to the latest reports as the star Argentina player nears the end of his two-year contract. Messi’s father Jorge is reported to have told the club about his son’s desire to leave the French capital. It is also reported that the decision was conveyed a month ago by Messi’s father and will now seek a new club, just months after winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. There are no doubts about that anymore.<br />
<br />
Behind the scenes, it’s now understood that Leo’s father Jorge communicated the decision to PSG already one month ago due to the project.<br />
<br />
It was the final breaking point. <a href="https://t.co/Bwehuvyq1E">pic.twitter.com/Bwehuvyq1E</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1653765619563614209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. There are no doubts about that anymore.</p>

<p>“Behind the scenes, it’s now understood that Leo’s father Jorge communicated the decision to PSG already one month ago due to the project.</p>

<p>“It was the final breaking point,” reported reliable football journalist Fabrizio Romano.</p>

<p>Lionel Messi's future at PSG was plunged into doubt on Wednesday after he was suspended by Paris Saint-Germain after travelling to Saudi Arabia without the club's permission.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/messi-vs-ronaldo-again-588504/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>A source with knowledge of the disciplinary procedure told AFP that Argentina's 35-year-old World-Cup winning captain, who is out of contract at the end of the season, would be sidelined for "several days", while various media in France reported that he would be suspended for two weeks.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-skipper-hardik-pandya-opens-up-on-gts-shocking-loss-vs-dc-says-it-boils-down-to-me-588434">IPL 2023: Skipper Hardik Pandya opens up on GT's shocking loss vs DC, says 'it boils down to me'</a></p>

<p>"He cannot train, cannot play, and will not be paid while disciplinary measures are in place," the source added.</p>

<p>Another source, also speaking on condition they were not identified, indicated that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner would "probably" be sidelined for a fortnight, noting that "nobody is more important than the club".</p>

<p>Messi played the whole game in PSG's 3-1 home defeat by Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday.</p>

<p>While the decision is yet to be confirmed by both parties, it is expected that Messi could join former side Barcelona with Xavi Hernandez in charge with offers from Saudi Arabia are also on the table worth $320 million deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Argentina star is also reported to have attracted interest from David Beckham's co-owned Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS).</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Lionel Messi is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain according to the latest reports as the star Argentina player nears the end of his two-year contract. Messi’s father Jorge is reported to have told the club about his son’s desire to leave the French capital.

Lionel Messi is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain according to the latest reports as the star Argentina player nears the end of his two-year contract. Messi’s father Jorge is reported to have told the club about his son’s desire to leave the French capital. It is also reported that the decision was conveyed a month ago by Messi’s father and will now seek a new club, just months after winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022. 🚨 Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. There are no doubts about that anymore. Behind the scenes, it’s now understood that Leo’s father Jorge communicated the decision to PSG already one month ago due to the project. It was the final breaking point. pic.twitter.com/Bwehuvyq1E — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 3, 2023 × “Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. There are no doubts about that anymore. “Behind the scenes, it’s now understood that Leo’s father Jorge communicated the decision to PSG already one month ago due to the project. “It was the final breaking point,” reported reliable football journalist Fabrizio Romano. Lionel Messi's future at PSG was plunged into doubt on Wednesday after he was suspended by Paris Saint-Germain after travelling to Saudi Arabia without the club's permission. A source with knowledge of the disciplinary procedure told AFP that Argentina's 35-year-old World-Cup winning captain, who is out of contract at the end of the season, would be sidelined for "several days", while various media in France reported that he would be suspended for two weeks. ALSO READ | IPL 2023: Skipper Hardik Pandya opens up on GT's shocking loss vs DC, says 'it boils down to me' "He cannot train, cannot play, and will not be paid while disciplinary measures are in place," the source added. Another source, also speaking on condition they were not identified, indicated that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner would "probably" be sidelined for a fortnight, noting that "nobody is more important than the club". Messi played the whole game in PSG's 3-1 home defeat by Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday. While the decision is yet to be confirmed by both parties, it is expected that Messi could join former side Barcelona with Xavi Hernandez in charge with offers from Saudi Arabia are also on the table worth $320 million deal. The Argentina star is also reported to have attracted interest from David Beckham's co-owned Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Lionel Messi to leave PSG at end of season, father Jorge communicates decision to club - Report

<p>Paris St Germain forward Lionel Messi will not have his contract renewed at the club following an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Tuesday (May 2).</p>

<p>Messi signed an optional third-season clause in his contract when he first arrived in 2021. Club officials have decided not to activate it, the report said.</p>

<p>The 35-year-old was suspended for two weeks on Tuesday, L'Equipe added, as he was supposed to practice with his team following a 3-1 defeat at home against Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday but instead flew to Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-barcelona-inch-closer-to-first-title-since-2019-with-1-0-win-over-osasuna-588362">La Liga: Barcelona inch closer to first title since 2019 with 1-0 win over Osasuna</a></p>

<p>The Argentina World Cup winner is banned from playing or training with the team, and his pay will be docked during his suspension.</p>

<p>Messi will miss the upcoming Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio but might return for the match against Auxerre on May 21. He will then be available for the club until the season ends on June 3.</p>

<p>PSG are top of the standings with 75 points from 33 matches, five points ahead of second-placed Olympique de Marseille.</p>

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Paris St Germain forward Lionel Messi will not have his contract renewed at the club following an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Tuesday (May 2).

Paris St Germain forward Lionel Messi will not have his contract renewed at the club following an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Tuesday (May 2). Messi signed an optional third-season clause in his contract when he first arrived in 2021. Club officials have decided not to activate it, the report said. The 35-year-old was suspended for two weeks on Tuesday, L'Equipe added, as he was supposed to practice with his team following a 3-1 defeat at home against Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday but instead flew to Saudi Arabia. Also Read: La Liga: Barcelona inch closer to first title since 2019 with 1-0 win over Osasuna The Argentina World Cup winner is banned from playing or training with the team, and his pay will be docked during his suspension. Messi will miss the upcoming Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio but might return for the match against Auxerre on May 21. He will then be available for the club until the season ends on June 3. PSG are top of the standings with 75 points from 33 matches, five points ahead of second-placed Olympique de Marseille. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: PSG to not renew Lionel Messi's contract after suspension post Saudi trip, says report

<p>Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain took another step towards securing the Ligue 1 title despite an unconvincing performance in beating bottom club Angers 2-1 on Friday. Mbappe scored the opener in the ninth minute and added another before the half-hour mark to move clear as the French top flight's leading marksman on 22 goals for the campaign.</p>

<p>It looked like PSG might go on to record a big victory but they eased off in the second half and relegation-bound Angers pulled a goal back late on through Sada Thioub.</p>

<p>PSG are now 11 points clear at the top of the table with six games left, although nearest challengers Marseille can cut the gap when they visit Lyon on Sunday. A record 11th French crown, and ninth since the Qatari takeover of 2011, is now inevitable with the capital club claiming a third straight win to ease the pressure on embattled coach Christophe Galtier.</p>

<p>However, Galtier was critical of his side's performance after they failed to build on a strong start, just like in last week's 3-1 win over Lens when all their goals came before half-time.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pl-arsenal-draw-3-3-with-bottom-placed-southampton-but-title-hope-takes-a-hit-584977">PL: Arsenal draw 3-3 with bottom-placed Southampton as title hope takes a hit</a></p>

<p>"As much as we were serious and clinical in the first half, like Lens last week we took our foot off the pedal completely in the second half," Galtier told broadcaster Amazon Prime. "We played without any rhythm and didn't really try to add to our lead. There is frustration for me as a coach. Of course we won and are top of the league but when you are at Paris Saint-Germain you can't settle for only playing for half of the game."</p>

<p><strong>- Galtier 'focused' -</strong></p>

<p>Appointed last year, Galtier's position was under serious scrutiny following a poor start to 2023 as PSG went out of the Champions League and French Cup in the last 16.<br />
He has since come under further pressure after being accused of making racist and discriminatory remarks about players last season when in charge of Nice.</p>

<p>Prosecutors in Nice have opened a preliminary investigation into possible "racial or religious discrimination" following the allegations, which surfaced in an email apparently sent by former Nice sporting director Julien Fournier and which were reported by various French media.</p>

<p>Galtier, who rigorously denies the allegations, has been the target of threats and on Friday his lawyer confirmed the 56-year-old was taking legal action against Fournier and two journalists for defamation.</p>

<p>"I am not interested in my situation. I am focused on the team, the importance of winning games and winning the club's 11th title, so I am managing to see past everything that is happening outside," Galtier said.</p>

<p>His team never really looked in trouble after Mbappe opened the scoring early on, bundling the ball over the line at the second attempt after Juan Bernat cushioned a pass across the face of goal.</p>

<p>Lionel Messi had been at the origin of the opener and he then set up the second with a superb ball in behind the Angers defence for Mbappe to round goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni and score. He now has 34 goals in all competitions this season and the 157th Ligue 1 strike of his career means he has now bypassed the great Jean-Pierre Papin's career tally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thioub reduced the deficit with three minutes left when he beat Gianluigi Donnarumma from close range after a cross was nodded down into his path.</p>

<p>Angers are now 17 points from safety with six games left and could be relegated this weekend depending on other results. They have managed just three wins all season and need three more points to avoid setting a new record for the fewest points in a French top-flight campaign.&nbsp;</p>


Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain took another step towards securing the Ligue 1 title despite an unconvincing performance in beating bottom club Angers 2-1 on Friday.

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain took another step towards securing the Ligue 1 title despite an unconvincing performance in beating bottom club Angers 2-1 on Friday. Mbappe scored the opener in the ninth minute and added another before the half-hour mark to move clear as the French top flight's leading marksman on 22 goals for the campaign. It looked like PSG might go on to record a big victory but they eased off in the second half and relegation-bound Angers pulled a goal back late on through Sada Thioub. PSG are now 11 points clear at the top of the table with six games left, although nearest challengers Marseille can cut the gap when they visit Lyon on Sunday. A record 11th French crown, and ninth since the Qatari takeover of 2011, is now inevitable with the capital club claiming a third straight win to ease the pressure on embattled coach Christophe Galtier. However, Galtier was critical of his side's performance after they failed to build on a strong start, just like in last week's 3-1 win over Lens when all their goals came before half-time. ALSO READ: PL: Arsenal draw 3-3 with bottom-placed Southampton as title hope takes a hit "As much as we were serious and clinical in the first half, like Lens last week we took our foot off the pedal completely in the second half," Galtier told broadcaster Amazon Prime. "We played without any rhythm and didn't really try to add to our lead. There is frustration for me as a coach. Of course we won and are top of the league but when you are at Paris Saint-Germain you can't settle for only playing for half of the game." - Galtier 'focused' - Appointed last year, Galtier's position was under serious scrutiny following a poor start to 2023 as PSG went out of the Champions League and French Cup in the last 16. He has since come under further pressure after being accused of making racist and discriminatory remarks about players last season when in charge of Nice. Prosecutors in Nice have opened a preliminary investigation into possible "racial or religious discrimination" following the allegations, which surfaced in an email apparently sent by former Nice sporting director Julien Fournier and which were reported by various French media. Galtier, who rigorously denies the allegations, has been the target of threats and on Friday his lawyer confirmed the 56-year-old was taking legal action against Fournier and two journalists for defamation. "I am not interested in my situation. I am focused on the team, the importance of winning games and winning the club's 11th title, so I am managing to see past everything that is happening outside," Galtier said. His team never really looked in trouble after Mbappe opened the scoring early on, bundling the ball over the line at the second attempt after Juan Bernat cushioned a pass across the face of goal. Lionel Messi had been at the origin of the opener and he then set up the second with a superb ball in behind the Angers defence for Mbappe to round goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni and score. He now has 34 goals in all competitions this season and the 157th Ligue 1 strike of his career means he has now bypassed the great Jean-Pierre Papin's career tally. Thioub reduced the deficit with three minutes left when he beat Gianluigi Donnarumma from close range after a cross was nodded down into his path. Angers are now 17 points from safety with six games left and could be relegated this weekend depending on other results. They have managed just three wins all season and need three more points to avoid setting a new record for the fewest points in a French top-flight campaign.

Ligue 1: Kylian Mbappe hits a brace against Angers as PSG inch closer to record 11th French league title

<p>A brilliant Lionel Messi goal helped Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-1 home win over Lens on Saturday to surely end any doubt about the outcome of this season's Ligue 1 title race, after an early sending-off left the visitors with a mountain to climb.</p>

<p>Lens, who began the day six points behind league leaders PSG in second place, looked the better team until Ghana midfielder Salis Abdul Samed was dismissed for a dangerous challenge on Achraf Hakimi in the 19th minute.</p>

<p>That changed everything, and by half-time the hosts were out of sight thanks to three goals in the space of 10 minutes from Kylian Mbappe, Vitinha and then Messi, with Przemyslaw Frankowski pulling one back for Lens from a penalty.</p>

<p>Mbappe opened the scoring and Vitinha's long-ranger doubled PSG's lead in the 37th minute.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aaron-ramsdale-has-been-very-good-and-has-made-exceptional-progress-against-odds-says-arsenal-manager-arteta-582778">Aaron Ramsdale has been very good and has made exceptional progress against odds, says Arsenal manager Arteta</a></p>

<p>Both goals were good but Messi's that made it 3-0 was stunning, the Argentine finding a pocket out of space outside the area, feeding a pass to Mbappe and then receiving the France striker's backheel return before slotting beyond goalkeeper Brice Samba and into the far corner.</p>

<p>The result leaves the reigning champions nine points ahead with seven games left, meaning it is surely just a matter of time until PSG secure a French record 11th league title.</p>

<p>"We must not think that it's done and dusted," said coach Christophe Galtier.</p>

<p>"We will need to remain serious and determined to maintain our lead and not give any hope to the teams chasing us."</p>

<p>The win comes at the end of a week overshadowed by allegations of racism against Galtier, who had already been under pressure since PSG's elimination from the Champions League last month.</p>

<p>Galtier said on Friday that he was "deeply shocked" by accusations that he made racist and Islamophobic remarks about Nice players when he was in charge there last season.</p>

<p>The allegations surfaced in an email apparently sent by former Nice sporting director Julien Fournier and which have been reported by various French media. AFP has not been able to verify the message.</p>

<p>The affair looks set to hang over the coach and the club in the coming weeks.</p>

<p>"I was very determined and focused on the match, like my players," Galtier said of trying to stay concentrated on the game.</p>

<p>"It was obviously an important match, if not decisive, and so it was important to get the result and enjoy it."</p>

<h2><strong>Mbappe on target</strong></h2>

<p>Lens were hoping to take advantage of the leaders' problems and extend a four-match winning run that had got the northern club's supporters dreaming of a first league title since 1998.</p>

<p>They triumphed 3-1 when the teams last met in Lens on January 1 and they started the better of the two sides at the Parc des Princes.</p>

<p>Yet their enterprising opening did not bring a goal and they were severely handicapped when Abdul Samed saw red for catching Hakimi with his studs above the ankle.</p>

<p>They were then torn apart with Mbappe firing in off the post on the turn from Vitinha's pass for his 20th league goal this season.</p>

<p>Vitinha then smashed in his first goal in a PSG shirt before Messi took centre stage.</p>

<p>The Argentine's 20th club goal of the campaign was also arguably his finest in two years in a PSG shirt, just as he comes towards what may be the end of his time in France.</p>

<p>Lens regrouped in the second half and pulled a goal back when Frankowski converted from the spot after a Fabian Ruiz handball.</p>

<p>Lois Openda remained a menace up front for Lens but they were left with too much to do to and will now focus on trying to hold onto a place in the top three and Champions League qualification.</p>

<p>"I would have liked us to close the gap tonight but even had we done that it would have been very difficult," admitted Lens manager Franck Haise.</p>

<p>"Of course the title is for Paris. There is not much doubt about that."</p>

<p>Marseille can move above Lens into second, and trim PSG's lead to eight points, with a win against Troyes on Sunday.</p>

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A brilliant Lionel Messi goal helped Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-1 home win over Lens on Saturday to surely end any doubt about the outcome of this season's Ligue 1 title race, after an early sending-off left the visitors with a mountain to climb.

A brilliant Lionel Messi goal helped Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-1 home win over Lens on Saturday to surely end any doubt about the outcome of this season's Ligue 1 title race, after an early sending-off left the visitors with a mountain to climb. Lens, who began the day six points behind league leaders PSG in second place, looked the better team until Ghana midfielder Salis Abdul Samed was dismissed for a dangerous challenge on Achraf Hakimi in the 19th minute. That changed everything, and by half-time the hosts were out of sight thanks to three goals in the space of 10 minutes from Kylian Mbappe, Vitinha and then Messi, with Przemyslaw Frankowski pulling one back for Lens from a penalty. Mbappe opened the scoring and Vitinha's long-ranger doubled PSG's lead in the 37th minute. Also Read: Aaron Ramsdale has been very good and has made exceptional progress against odds, says Arsenal manager Arteta Both goals were good but Messi's that made it 3-0 was stunning, the Argentine finding a pocket out of space outside the area, feeding a pass to Mbappe and then receiving the France striker's backheel return before slotting beyond goalkeeper Brice Samba and into the far corner. The result leaves the reigning champions nine points ahead with seven games left, meaning it is surely just a matter of time until PSG secure a French record 11th league title. "We must not think that it's done and dusted," said coach Christophe Galtier. "We will need to remain serious and determined to maintain our lead and not give any hope to the teams chasing us." The win comes at the end of a week overshadowed by allegations of racism against Galtier, who had already been under pressure since PSG's elimination from the Champions League last month. Galtier said on Friday that he was "deeply shocked" by accusations that he made racist and Islamophobic remarks about Nice players when he was in charge there last season. The allegations surfaced in an email apparently sent by former Nice sporting director Julien Fournier and which have been reported by various French media. AFP has not been able to verify the message. The affair looks set to hang over the coach and the club in the coming weeks. "I was very determined and focused on the match, like my players," Galtier said of trying to stay concentrated on the game. "It was obviously an important match, if not decisive, and so it was important to get the result and enjoy it." Mbappe on target Lens were hoping to take advantage of the leaders' problems and extend a four-match winning run that had got the northern club's supporters dreaming of a first league title since 1998. They triumphed 3-1 when the teams last met in Lens on January 1 and they started the better of the two sides at the Parc des Princes. Yet their enterprising opening did not bring a goal and they were severely handicapped when Abdul Samed saw red for catching Hakimi with his studs above the ankle. They were then torn apart with Mbappe firing in off the post on the turn from Vitinha's pass for his 20th league goal this season. Vitinha then smashed in his first goal in a PSG shirt before Messi took centre stage. The Argentine's 20th club goal of the campaign was also arguably his finest in two years in a PSG shirt, just as he comes towards what may be the end of his time in France. Lens regrouped in the second half and pulled a goal back when Frankowski converted from the spot after a Fabian Ruiz handball. Lois Openda remained a menace up front for Lens but they were left with too much to do to and will now focus on trying to hold onto a place in the top three and Champions League qualification. "I would have liked us to close the gap tonight but even had we done that it would have been very difficult," admitted Lens manager Franck Haise. "Of course the title is for Paris. There is not much doubt about that." Marseille can move above Lens into second, and trim PSG's lead to eight points, with a win against Troyes on Sunday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ligue 1: Messi stunner helps PSG beat Lens 3-1 to ensure stronghold on top place

<p><strong>PSG vs Lens prediction 2023:</strong> The Ligue 1 returns to action this weekend, with Christophe Galtier's star-studded PSG facing an outstanding Lens team in a key match at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, April 15. Both sides can deliver a punch on their day and will need to step up this weekend.</p>

<h2><strong>PSG vs Lens: Preview</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>With 22 wins in 30 games, PSG has raised to the top of the points standings. They would still be unhappy following the bad outcomes of the previous 4-5 weeks. Bayern Munich eliminated the French heavyweights from the UEFA Champions League in the round of 16.</p>

<p>PSG, on the other hand, is now on top of the league table but has not been at its best this season. The Parisian giants defeated Nice 2-0 in their previous match and will try to repeat the feat this weekend.</p>

<h2><strong>PSG vs Lens: Head-to-head record</strong></h2>

<p>PSG has a slight advantage over Lens, having won 11 of the last 29 meetings between the two teams, compared to Lens' nine triumphs over this time period. The Lens&nbsp;is unbeaten in their last three matches against PSG in Ligue 1 - the only team that has managed to achieve this feat since the start of last season.</p>

<h2><strong>PSG vs Lens: Predicted playing XI</strong></h2>

<p><strong>PSG: </strong>Donnarumma; Pereira, Marquinhos, Ramos; Hakimi, Verratti, Soler, Vitinha, Mendes; Messi, Mbappe</p>

<p><strong>Lens:</strong> Samba; Medina, Danso, Gradit; Sotoca, Abdul Samed, Fofana, Frankowski; Thomasson, Fulgini; Openda</p>

<h2><strong>PSG vs Lens: Prediction</strong></h2>

<p>PSG are the better team on paper and holds a slight upper hand going into this game.</p>

<p><strong>Prediction:</strong> PSG 2- a1 Lens</p>

<h2><strong>PSG vs Lens: Live streaming details</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<h2><strong>At what time does the match between PSG and Lens kick-off?</strong></h2>

<p><strong>India:</strong> 16th April 2023, at 12:30 AM<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>USA:</strong> 15th April 2023, at 3 PM (Eastern Standard Time), 2 PM (Central Standard Time), 12 PM (Pacific Standard Time)<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>UK: </strong>15th April 2023, at 8 PM</p>

<h2><strong>Where and how to watch PSG vs Lens on TV?</strong></h2>

<p><strong>India: </strong>Sports18</p>

<p><strong>USA:</strong> beIN Sports, beIN Sports en Espanol</p>

<p><strong>UK:</strong> BT Sport</p>

<h2><strong>How to watch live streaming of PSG vs Lens?</strong></h2>

<p><strong>India: </strong>Voot Select, Jio TV</p>

<p><strong>USA:</strong> beIN Sports Connect, FuboTV</p>

<p><strong>UK:</strong> BT Sport</p>

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PSG vs Lens prediction 2023: The Ligue 1 returns to action this weekend, with Christophe Galtier's star-studded PSG facing an outstanding Lens team in a key match at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, April 15.

PSG vs Lens prediction 2023: The Ligue 1 returns to action this weekend, with Christophe Galtier's star-studded PSG facing an outstanding Lens team in a key match at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, April 15. Both sides can deliver a punch on their day and will need to step up this weekend. PSG vs Lens: Preview With 22 wins in 30 games, PSG has raised to the top of the points standings. They would still be unhappy following the bad outcomes of the previous 4-5 weeks. Bayern Munich eliminated the French heavyweights from the UEFA Champions League in the round of 16. PSG, on the other hand, is now on top of the league table but has not been at its best this season. The Parisian giants defeated Nice 2-0 in their previous match and will try to repeat the feat this weekend. PSG vs Lens: Head-to-head record PSG has a slight advantage over Lens, having won 11 of the last 29 meetings between the two teams, compared to Lens' nine triumphs over this time period. The Lens is unbeaten in their last three matches against PSG in Ligue 1 - the only team that has managed to achieve this feat since the start of last season. PSG vs Lens: Predicted playing XI PSG: Donnarumma; Pereira, Marquinhos, Ramos; Hakimi, Verratti, Soler, Vitinha, Mendes; Messi, Mbappe Lens: Samba; Medina, Danso, Gradit; Sotoca, Abdul Samed, Fofana, Frankowski; Thomasson, Fulgini; Openda PSG vs Lens: Prediction PSG are the better team on paper and holds a slight upper hand going into this game. Prediction: PSG 2- a1 Lens PSG vs Lens: Live streaming details At what time does the match between PSG and Lens kick-off? India: 16th April 2023, at 12:30 AM USA: 15th April 2023, at 3 PM (Eastern Standard Time), 2 PM (Central Standard Time), 12 PM (Pacific Standard Time) UK: 15th April 2023, at 8 PM Where and how to watch PSG vs Lens on TV? India: Sports18 USA: beIN Sports, beIN Sports en Espanol UK: BT Sport How to watch live streaming of PSG vs Lens? India: Voot Select, Jio TV USA: beIN Sports Connect, FuboTV UK: BT Sport WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PSG vs Lens Live: Ligue1 2022-23, Prediction, playing XIs, when & where to watch in India, USA and UK

<p>Lionel Messi scored one goal and set up another for Sergio Ramos as Paris Saint-Germain won 2-0 at Nice on Saturday to restore their six-point lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table and ease the pressure on coach Christophe Galtier.</p>

<p>Messi converted a Nuno Mendes cross in the 26th minute before Gianluigi Donnarumma produced several key saves and Dante was denied by the woodwork as PSG's goal lived a charmed life on the Cote d'Azur.</p>

<p>Ramos then ended any doubt about the outcome when he headed in a Messi corner with 14 minutes remaining, as PSG bounced back from suffering consecutive home defeats.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pl-manchester-united-ease-past-everton-2-0-strengthen-position-on-points-table-580511">PL: Manchester United ease past Everton 2-0, strengthen position on points table</a></p>

<p>Those losses had piled the pressure on Galtier amid reports he may not even see out the season.</p>

<p>The result clearly meant a lot to Galtier, who was in charge at Nice last season and expressed his displeasure at a banner unfurled by the home supporters aimed at his mother.</p>

<p>"My mum is 83 and has just had cancer. That's all. And if these people in the stands have been watching games in Europe this season it is because of the work I did last season," said Galtier, who led Nice to fifth in his single campaign at the club.</p>

<p>A win for PSG's nearest challengers Lens on Friday had cut their lead at the top of the table to just three points before this game, and before the top two meet in Paris next weekend.</p>

<p>"We knew we had a lot of pressure on our shoulders both because of our poor performances and because of Lens winning, and especially because Nice are a really good team who have been on a great run," Galtier told broadcaster Canal Plus.</p>

<p>"It was definitely not our best performance of the season but the players fought for each other and it is obviously three important points."</p>

<p>He added: "It is better to have a six-point lead than be chasing after a six-point deficit but we know we have a very important match next weekend."</p>

<p>It was a first defeat in 15 matches in all competitions for Nice since former PSG midfielder Didier Digard replaced Lucien Favre as coach in January. The Ineos-owned club remain eighth in the table.</p>

<h2>Donnarumma stars</h2>

<p>Messi's 14th Ligue 1 goal of the campaign that opened the scoring came at the end of a week in which it emerged he was likely to leave Paris when his contract expires in the summer.</p>

<p>Before that, Danilo Pereira had already hit the woodwork for the visitors, who also saw injury-prone midfielder Renato Sanches come off hurt early on.</p>

<p>Donnarumma saved well from Nicolas Pepe and Terem Moffi before half-time, and Dante then sent an effort off the underside of the bar six minutes into the second half, with the ball bouncing down onto the line and then hitting the post.</p>

<p>It was an incredible let-off for the league leaders, who were grateful to Donnarumma again as he made further stops from Pepe and Youssouf Ndayishimiye.</p>

<p>Ramos made it 2-0 but there was still time for Danilo to head against his own crossbar late on.</p>

<p>Marseille can rejoin Lens and close back to within six points of PSG with a win at Lorient on Sunday.</p>

<p>Earlier, bottom side Angers claimed their first Ligue 1 win since September as they beat European hopefuls Lille 1-0.</p>

<p>Substitute Halid Sabanovic scrambled in the only goal of the match with six minutes left as Angers ended a run of 21 matches without a win.</p>

<p>That means they will not match the French top-flight record for the most games without a win in a single season -- that record is held by Arles-Avignon who went 23 matches without a victory in 2010/11.</p>

<p>They nevertheless remain seven points adrift at the bottom of the table and 12 away from safety with only eight games left.</p>

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Lionel Messi scored one goal and set up another for Sergio Ramos as Paris Saint-Germain won 2-0 at Nice on Saturday to restore their six-point lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table and ease the pressure on coach Christophe Galtier.

Lionel Messi scored one goal and set up another for Sergio Ramos as Paris Saint-Germain won 2-0 at Nice on Saturday to restore their six-point lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table and ease the pressure on coach Christophe Galtier. Messi converted a Nuno Mendes cross in the 26th minute before Gianluigi Donnarumma produced several key saves and Dante was denied by the woodwork as PSG's goal lived a charmed life on the Cote d'Azur. Ramos then ended any doubt about the outcome when he headed in a Messi corner with 14 minutes remaining, as PSG bounced back from suffering consecutive home defeats. Also Read: PL: Manchester United ease past Everton 2-0, strengthen position on points table Those losses had piled the pressure on Galtier amid reports he may not even see out the season. The result clearly meant a lot to Galtier, who was in charge at Nice last season and expressed his displeasure at a banner unfurled by the home supporters aimed at his mother. "My mum is 83 and has just had cancer. That's all. And if these people in the stands have been watching games in Europe this season it is because of the work I did last season," said Galtier, who led Nice to fifth in his single campaign at the club. A win for PSG's nearest challengers Lens on Friday had cut their lead at the top of the table to just three points before this game, and before the top two meet in Paris next weekend. "We knew we had a lot of pressure on our shoulders both because of our poor performances and because of Lens winning, and especially because Nice are a really good team who have been on a great run," Galtier told broadcaster Canal Plus. "It was definitely not our best performance of the season but the players fought for each other and it is obviously three important points." He added: "It is better to have a six-point lead than be chasing after a six-point deficit but we know we have a very important match next weekend." It was a first defeat in 15 matches in all competitions for Nice since former PSG midfielder Didier Digard replaced Lucien Favre as coach in January. The Ineos-owned club remain eighth in the table. Donnarumma stars Messi's 14th Ligue 1 goal of the campaign that opened the scoring came at the end of a week in which it emerged he was likely to leave Paris when his contract expires in the summer. Before that, Danilo Pereira had already hit the woodwork for the visitors, who also saw injury-prone midfielder Renato Sanches come off hurt early on. Donnarumma saved well from Nicolas Pepe and Terem Moffi before half-time, and Dante then sent an effort off the underside of the bar six minutes into the second half, with the ball bouncing down onto the line and then hitting the post. It was an incredible let-off for the league leaders, who were grateful to Donnarumma again as he made further stops from Pepe and Youssouf Ndayishimiye. Ramos made it 2-0 but there was still time for Danilo to head against his own crossbar late on. Marseille can rejoin Lens and close back to within six points of PSG with a win at Lorient on Sunday. Earlier, bottom side Angers claimed their first Ligue 1 win since September as they beat European hopefuls Lille 1-0. Substitute Halid Sabanovic scrambled in the only goal of the match with six minutes left as Angers ended a run of 21 matches without a win. That means they will not match the French top-flight record for the most games without a win in a single season -- that record is held by Arles-Avignon who went 23 matches without a victory in 2010/11. They nevertheless remain seven points adrift at the bottom of the table and 12 away from safety with only eight games left. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ligue 1: Messi, Ramos hand PSG 2-0 win over Nice

<p>Forward Kylian&nbsp;Mbappe&nbsp;has criticised Paris St Germain after they used him in a video to promote season ticket sales, without informing him how the interview would be used. The video released by PSG on Wednesday features snippets from an interview with&nbsp;Mbappe, in which he talks about the club and its supporters. It links to the ticketing section on the club's website.</p>

<p>"I've just taken part in the season ticketing campaign of the club for 2023-24,"&nbsp;Mbappe&nbsp;said on social media. "At no moment was I informed of the content of the interview... It looked like a basic interview at a club marketing day. "I do not agree with the video that was published. This is why I am fighting for individual image rights. PSG is a great club and a great family, but it is certainly not Kylian Saint-Germain."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/official-chelsea-legend-frank-lampard-returns-back-as-caretaker-manager-to-take-charge-until-end-of-season-579843">Official: Chelsea legend Frank Lampard return's back as caretaker manager; to take charge until end of season</a></strong></p>

<p>PSG did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Last year, ESPN reported that&nbsp;Mbappe&nbsp;refused to participate in a team photo and sponsor activities for the France national team.</p>

<p>At the time, the striker said his image rights dispute with the French Football Federation (FFF) was a "collective move" to help fellow team mates, with the FFF saying it would review its agreement on players' image rights.</p>


Forward Kylian Mbappe has criticised Paris St Germain after they used him in a video to promote season ticket sales, without informing him how the interview would be used.

Forward Kylian Mbappe has criticised Paris St Germain after they used him in a video to promote season ticket sales, without informing him how the interview would be used. The video released by PSG on Wednesday features snippets from an interview with Mbappe, in which he talks about the club and its supporters. It links to the ticketing section on the club's website. "I've just taken part in the season ticketing campaign of the club for 2023-24," Mbappe said on social media. "At no moment was I informed of the content of the interview... It looked like a basic interview at a club marketing day. "I do not agree with the video that was published. This is why I am fighting for individual image rights. PSG is a great club and a great family, but it is certainly not Kylian Saint-Germain." Also Read: Official: Chelsea legend Frank Lampard return's back as caretaker manager; to take charge until end of season PSG did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Last year, ESPN reported that Mbappe refused to participate in a team photo and sponsor activities for the France national team. At the time, the striker said his image rights dispute with the French Football Federation (FFF) was a "collective move" to help fellow team mates, with the FFF saying it would review its agreement on players' image rights.

Kylian Mbappe slams PSG after they used him in a promotional video for season ticket sales

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