ESPN3 minutes to read
Marcotti does not see Miami’s loan to Barcelona as the next step for Messi
Gabe Marcotti can make no sense to reports that Lionel Messi will join Inter Miami, only to be loaned outright to Barcelona.
ESPN reported last month that Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires this summer, with thoughts of moving to Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo’s rival, Al-Nasr.
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“I have had the honor of coaching the best player in football history,” Galter told a news conference ahead of PSG’s last Ligue 1 match of the season against Clermont Foot. “This will be his last game at the Parc des Princes, and I hope he will receive the warmest welcome.”
“This year, he’s been an important part of the team, always available. I don’t think any of the comments or criticisms are justified. He’s always been there for the team. It’s been a huge privilege to be with him all season.”
Messi has contributed 21 goals and 20 assists to Paris Saint-Germain in all competitions this season.
Messi joined the French champions in 2021 after his 21-year association with Barcelona ended due to the club’s financial troubles.
Along with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, he helped PSG win the Ligue 1 title in both seasons he spent in the French capital. However, the Champions League last-16 exit meant the club’s search for a first European trophy continued.
He scored 32 goals in 74 matches in all competitions with Paris Saint-Germain, as well as recording 35 assists.
Messi’s tenure in Paris came alongside other accomplishments as well. In December, he led Argentina to victory in the 2023 World Cup, ending his wait for the only major honor that had eluded him in his career.
He was then named Footballer of the Year at the FIFA Best Football Awards in February – the second time he won the award, adding to his record seven Ballon d’Or awards.
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