Lionel Messi, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, has confirmed that he will be leaving Paris Saint Germain (PSG) after his contract expires on June 30. This announcement came through his father and agent Jorge Messi, who informed PSG about their decision. Hours before the scheduled match against Clermont Foot, Messi expressed his gratitude towards PSG and the wonderful experience he had playing with such good players. PSG coach Christophe Galtier also confirmed that Messi would leave the club after his last match at the Parc des Princes and wished him the warmest of welcomes. However, PSG attempted to deny Galtier's comments and included Messi in a clip promoting their new shirt for the upcoming season.
Now, Messi has personally stated that he will leave France, and Al-Hilal has decided to announce Messi's signing with them on June 6. Messi is heavily linked to Al-Hilal, former club FC Barcelona, and Inter Miami in the MLS. According to El Chiringuito, Messi has accepted a €350 million ($375 million) a year offer to join the Saudi giants where he would face off against Cristiano Ronaldo, who now plays for Al-Nassr. If Messi receives such a sum, he will knock Ronaldo from the top of Forbes' list of the World's Highest-Paid Athletes in 2024. Ronaldo edged Messi in the last edition with earnings of $136 million compared to Messi's $130 million.
Messi will leave PSG with two Ligue 1 titles to his name, but also two failures in the Champions League from which they were eliminated in the last 16 in back-to-back campaigns. Messi's departure from PSG is a significant loss to the club, and it remains to be seen where he will go next.