Mercato PSG: Galtier confirms Messi's departure and defends his record

The statement may seem insignificant, given that it has been known for weeks that Lionel Messi will not be extending his contract with PSG, which expires on June 30. But since nothing was official until then, and since it's Messi we're talking about, the statement has been making the rounds for the last few minutes, especially abroad.

Asked about Messi's future at a press conference on Thursday, two days before the final match of the Parisian season against Clermont, Christophe Galtier confirmed the departure of his crack Argentinian and was keen to defend his record.

"I don't find the criticism of Messi at all justified".

"What do I remember about his time in France? That I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of soccer. It's a great privilege. Tomorrow will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope he'll be given the warmest of welcomes. A lot has been said about Leo. The first season was one of adaptation. This year, he's been an important element, always available. I don't think the remarks and criticisms are justified at all. When you have a season with the World Cup in the middle and you finish with stats of 21 goals and 20 assists... He's always been there for the team. It's been a great privilege to accompany him throughout the season," confided Galtier.

Now that Messi's departure from PSG is no longer in doubt, the question of his future arises. The answer should not be long in coming, as the Argentinian's entourage have made it known that a decision will be taken shortly. Barça, Al-Hilal, Inter Miami, a mystery European club... the suspense remains, and the information is often contradictory.