Lionel Messi's PSG Exit Confirmed by Galtier amid Barcelona, Al-Hilal Rumors

Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier confirmed Lionel Messi is leaving at the end of the 2022-23 season.

He told reporters Thursday he "had the privilege of managing the best player in the history of football":

ESPN's Mark Ogden reported in April that Messi was considering a deal with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. French newspaper L'Equipe (via the Daily Mail's Samuel Draper) reported, however, the 35-year-old could sign a contract with Inter Miami that would allow him to be loaned to Barcelona for a period of time.

Calling Messi's PSG stint a failure would be harsh. The club won Ligue 1 in each of his two years there, and he has registered 22 goals and 30 assists in 57 league appearances.

Paris Saint-Germain did fail to achieve the biggest goal it set by signing Messi, though. It suffered successive exits in the Champions League round of 16, so the wait for a European triumph continues.

As the current campaign wound down, it became clear Messi and PSG were likely headed toward a breakup.

A portion of the club's supporters made their frustration with the 35-year-old and other notable stars known. He also received a two-week suspension for an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia, though he returned to training days later after apologizing to his teammates.

Paris Saint-Germain isn't heading toward a total rebuild because that might imply the Parisians intend to take a step backward. But ESPN's Julien Laurens detailed how a significant transition is likely this summer.

In addition to Messi's departure, Laurens wrote how PSG "wants Neymar to follow" and may pivot to a new transfer strategy. Sporting director Luis Campos could reportedly focus on signing younger players still developing rather than aging stars at their apex or past their prime, an approach best exemplified by bringing Messi aboard.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner now faces a choice.

Going to Saudi Arabia, where he's already a tourism ambassador, would mean cashing the biggest paycheck by a wide margin. Signing with an MLS side would see him put money over prestige as well, yet working a loan deal to Barcelona into his contract would at least give him a shot at capturing one more Champions League medal.