Lionel Messi outshines Cristiano Ronaldo by netting a goal during Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-1 draw against Strasbourg on Saturday, solidifying back-to-back championship victories for Christophe Galtier’s team.
Lionel Messi surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the highest number of goals scored in Europe’s top five leagues, with his historic 496th strike playing a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s victory and clinching the French title on Saturday.
Messi, aged 35, initiated the scoring shortly before the 60th minute with a goal assisted by teammate Kylian Mbappe, placing eternal rival Ronaldo in second position with 495 goals. PSG faced a late setback when former striker Kevin Gameiro equalized. However, it didn’t matter as the reigning champions only needed to avoid defeat at the Stade de la Meinau to defend their Ligue 1 title.
This marks Messi’s second league championship in France, having previously won it in his debut season with Paris Saint-Germain. However, it is likely to be his final one. The Argentine legend is scheduled to depart from Parc des Princes this summer, as his two-year contract reaches its conclusion. He will have one last home game next Saturday when Clermont Foot visits the capital.
Messi has been speculated to make a fairytale comeback to Barcelona, but recent reports suggest he is leaning towards a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, where Ronaldo, who is two years older than him, is already playing. Al-Hilal, rivals of Ronaldo’s current team Al-Nassr, are eager to secure Messi’s signature once his contract with PSG expires next month.
Despite this, Barcelona remains hopeful of a homecoming transfer, especially after winning the La Liga title earlier this month. President Joan Laporta confirmed engaging in transfer discussions with the 35-year-old, expressing his satisfaction with their conversation. “I had a very pleasant conversation with Leo,” revealed Laporta on TV3. “We have restored our relationship.”
Laporta further emphasized Messi’s desire for Barcelona, emphasizing that the club is his true home. While acknowledging the investment and progress in Saudi Arabia, Laporta asserted, “Barca is Barca. In Arabia, they are making advancements, but I insist, Barca is his home. Barca can compete with anyone.”
The Barcelona president, who had reluctantly allowed Messi to depart in 2021 due to financial constraints, also revealed in an interview with RAC1, “I recently spoke with Messi, and we have a relationship with him. Messi is the world’s best player, and any coach would want him in their team.”
Paris Saint-Germain have claimed their 11th championship title in France.
