PARIS (AFP) – Lionel Messi’s final game for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ended in defeat yesterday, while Monaco missed out on European qualification and Auxerre were relegated on the last night of the Ligue 1 season.
Messi’s expected departure from the French giants after two seasons was officially confirmed by PSG in a statement shortly before yesterday’s match against Clermont.
“His contribution to PSG and Ligue 1 cannot be underestimated and we wish Leo and his family all the best for the future,” said PSG President Nasser al-Khelaifi.
Yet Messi, who ends his PSG career with 32 goals in 75 appearances, was jeered by some fans during the match, which the champions lost 3-2.
There was little riding on the game itself after PSG wrapped up a record 11th French title last weekend, and Christophe Galtier’s side contrived to throw away a two-goal lead.
Sergio Ramos, whose own departure from PSG was confirmed on Friday, marked his final appearance by heading in a Vitinha cross for the opener in the 16th minute.
Mbappe, looking to end a fifth consecutive campaign as Ligue 1’s top scorer, then scored a penalty to make it 2-0 with his 29th league goal this season, which he marked by holding up Sergio Rico’s number 16 jersey. Spaniard Rico, PSG’s back-up goalkeeper, is in a serious condition in hospital in Seville after being injured in a horse-riding accident last weekend.
