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CNN —Inter Miami chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said that “terms are agreed” between the club and Argentinian forward Lionel Messi. “With regard to Leo, terms are agreed, but we are working on the paperwork with Major League Soccer,” Henderson, who was at an introductory press conference for new manager Tata Martino, told reporters. Both worked together with the Argentina national team, reaching the final of the 2015 Copa América in Chile and the 2016 United States Centennial Cup. Last week, the Miami Herald reported that Messi, a World Cup winner with Argentina last year, is expected to make his Inter Miami debut on July 21. His influence on soccer in the United States is already being felt with ticket prices for Inter Miami matches soaring by more than 1,000% in the minutes after the move to MLS was first reported.

Persons: Chris Henderson, Lionel Messi, Messi, Germain, wasn’t, Henderson, Leo, ” Henderson, Tata Martino, That’s, ” Messi, Martino Organizations: CNN — Inter Miami, Spanish, Mundo Deportivo, Paris Saint, PSG, Major League Soccer, Argentina national, América, States Centennial, Miami Herald, Argentina, Inter Miami, Barcelona, MLS Locations: Paris, Chile, Barcelona, United States

☆ Lionel Messi admits to ‘difficult adaptation’ in France after moving to Paris Saint-Germain
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-25 | by ( George Ramsay | Homero De La Fuente | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Lionel Messi struggled to adapt to a new environment at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after moving to the French club in 2021, the Argentine forward said in an interview with beIN Sports aired this week. Messi won two league titles during his time at PSG, scoring 21 goals and recording 20 assists in all competitions over the past season. “The truth is, it was a very difficult adaptation, much more than I expected,” Messi told beIN about his move to PSG two years ago. Paris Saint-Germain Football/Getty ImagesEarlier this month, Messi announced that he would be moving to MLS club Inter Miami and is reportedly set to make his debut in the United States in July. “I think that from the beginning, it was something very nice, like the reception, which I said many times,” Messi added.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Germain, Messi, ” Messi, beIN, Kylian, I’d, ” Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, PSG, beIN Sports, Champions League, Parc des Princes, Germain Football, MLS, Inter Miami, Barcelona, Paris, ” CNN Locations: Paris, Argentine, Saudi Arabia, Parc des, United States, France

☆ Messi says he struggled to adapt after PSG move, some fans treated him differently
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"My stay in Paris started with a very difficult adaptation, much more than I expected, even though I had people I knew in the dressing room. "And then people started to treat me differently, a part of the Paris fans started to treat me differently." "There was a rift with a big part of the Paris fans, it was not my intention, far from it, it happened like that. It had happened before with Mbappe and Neymar and I know that's their way of doing things." Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City and Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, Editing by Angus MacSwanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Lionel Messi, jeers, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Messi, BeIN, Cruz Azul, Janina Nuno Rios, Rohith Nair, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Paris St Germain, PSG, MLS, Inter Miami, League, BeIN Sports, Paris, Miami, Thomson Locations: Paris, Argentine, Saudi Arabia, Barcelona, Cruz, Mexico City, Bengaluru

☆ Kylian Mbappé: What next for French superstar as questions over his PSG future rumble on?
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-17 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

On Thursday when questioned about his PSG future, he told reporters that Macron has no influence on his career. I’ve already answered, I’ve said that my objective is to stay at PSG, that’s my only option at the moment. Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Neymar were unable to guide PSG to Champions League glory. Every team in the world would undoubtedly love to sign Mbappé, but his list of realistic suitors will be rather short. Regardless of the final outcome, love it or hate it this saga looks set to rumble on for the foreseeable future.

Persons: Kylian Mbappé, Germain, Mbappé, Neymar, ’ Mbappé, “, Emmanuel Macron, Macron, I’ve, – Mbappé, meekly, Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Carl Recine, Erling Haaland, Edinson Cavani, Jude Bellingham, Karim Benzema, It’s, Real, Harry Kane, Frenchman, Kane, scupper, Christophe Simon Organizations: CNN, spurn Real, Paris Saint, PSG, AS Monaco, Real, Twitter, Reuters, Real Madrid, lowball PSG, Champions League, Ligue, Parc des Princes, Qatar Sports Investment, League, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United Locations: spurn Real Madrid, Los, Le, …, France, Paris, Real, Lens, Parc des, Al, Ittihad, Saudi Arabia, AFP

☆ Lionel Messi scores fastest goal of his career with stunning effort after 79 seconds
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The 35-year-old led his country to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar last year, arguably the crowning triumph in one of the greatest football careers. “We always enjoy being with the national team,” Messi said afterwards. “Now there are World Cup qualifiers and the Copa America, it’s getting too ahead of yourself thinking about the next World Cup. Messi maniaDespite struggling with his club team Paris Saint-Germain last season, Thursday’s goal continues Messi’s excellent form for the Argentina national team. He finished the second top scorer at last year’s World Cup with seven goals and also provided three assists.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, “ Messi, Emiliano Martínez, Germán, ” Messi, it’s, you’ve, Germain, “ Messi ”, d’Or Organizations: CNN, Australia, American, CONMEBOL, ”, Real Betis, Copa America, Socceroos, Paris Saint, Argentina national, Workers, Barcelona, Weibo, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, PSG, Indonesia Locations: Argentina, Qatar, Beijing, ” Argentina, China, United States, Jakarta

☆ Mbappe tells PSG he will not renew contract when it ends in 2024, reports L'Equipe
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

June 12 (Reuters) - Kylian Mbappe has told Paris St Germain he will leave the Ligue 1 champions when his contract ends next year, L'Equipe reported on Monday. The French international will not trigger a one-year extension option and could even be sold this summer as PSG will seek to prevent him from leaving for free, according to the local reports. Mbappe was in a similar situation last year when he was linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, only to sign a contract extension with PSG. The 24-year-old, who scored 41 goals in 43 games in all competitions for PSG this season, would be free to negotiate and sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club from January should he stay in Paris. Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City, editing by Pritha SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Mbappe, Paris St Germain, Janina Nuno Rios, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Paris St, Ligue, L'Equipe, French, PSG, Real Madrid, Thomson Locations: Spanish, Paris, Mexico City

☆ Messi will increase MLS popularity, says Neymar
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 12 (Reuters) - Paris St Germain striker Neymar Jr said he already knew Lionel Messi was going to join MLS side Inter Miami and predicted the U.S. top flight is set to change because of the popularity the Argentine will attract. Messi, 35, announced on Wednesday that he plans to take his talents to South Beach after his contract with French champions expires at the end of this month. "I told him he's going to be very happy for the city, for the lifestyle and for the opportunity to live and play here in Miami. "Now that he's here, I think all the football fans around the world are going to come and get a chance to see him compete. Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Neymar Jr, Lionel Messi, Messi, it's, Neymar, he's, Leo, Jimmy Butler, Butler, Angelica Medina, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Paris St Germain, MLS, Inter Miami, U.S ., Argentine, Messi, French, ESPN Brazil, Brazil, PSG, NBA, U.S, Thomson Locations: Paris, Beach, Miami, United States, Barcelona, Florida, Mexico

☆ Inter Miami ticket prices soar after Messi joins MLS team
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-08 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —“Messi mania” has reached the United States, if ticket prices are any indication. Ticket prices have soared nearly 1,000% for some games, with extraordinary prices rarely seen for MLS games, VividSeats told CNN. A fixture between Inter Miami and Los Angeles FC in the California city on September 3 rose 400%, with the average price increasing from $150 to $785. “We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer,” the league said. CNN has reached out to Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Messi’s representative, Apple and David Beckham, who is part of Inter Miami’s ownership team, to confirm the financial details.

Persons: New York CNN — “ Messi, ”, Lionel Messi, he’s, VividSeats, Messi, Cruz Azul, hasn’t, “, ” It’s, Eddy, David Beckham, Germain Organizations: New, New York CNN, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, MLS, CNN, Athletic, New York Red Bulls, Los Angeles FC, League, Apple, Apple TV’s, Inter, Paris Saint, Ligue, PSG Locations: New York, United States, Saudi Arabia, Barcelona, Mexican, California, Florida

"I made the decision that I'm going to go to Miami," Messi said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo and Sport newspapers. Inter Miami are co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, who was one of the first major European stars to move to the United States to play in the MLS, winning the MLS Cup twice with Los Angeles Galaxy. PSG EXITOnce the crown jewel of European football, Messi has effectively been let go by two super clubs in two years -- for free. His move away from PSG, however, is of his own volition as he felt the French club lacked a project for the future while fan unrest only hastened his exit. The highs after winning Argentina's first World Cup in 36 years were quickly offset by the lows he experienced in Paris.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Paris St Germain, Messi, I'm, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Karim Benzema, David Beckham, Phil Neville, Rory Carroll, Rohith Nair, Amy Tennery, Janina Nuño Rios, Angelica Medina, Ed Osmond, Toby Davis Organizations: Wednesday, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Paris St, PSG, Spanish, Mundo Deportivo, Sport, Ligue, French, U.S, Reuters, Adidas, Apple, MLS, Al, Los Angeles Galaxy, Eastern, Barcelona, Qatar Sports Investments, League, Thomson Locations: ANGELES, snubbing, Saudi Arabia, Barcelona, Miami, Europe, South Florida, Argentine, Spanish, Argentina, Qatar, Barca, Saudi Arabian, Al, Hilal, Al Ittihad, United States, Paris, Los Angeles, Bengaluru, New York, Mexico City

☆ Lionel Messi and MLS club Inter Miami are discussing possible signing, per reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( David Close | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —The Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi is in discussions to join Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami, according to reports by the BBC and The Athletic. There has been speculation around Messi’s next move since he announced his departure from French side Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). CNN has reached out to Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Messi’s representative and David Beckham – who is part of Inter Miami’s ownership team – but had not received a reply by the time of publication. There had been previous speculation Messi would move to Saudi Arabia, where he has business ties. Before his two-season stint with PSG, Messi spent 17 trophy-laden years at FC Barcelona.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi’s, Germain, Guillem Balague, David Beckham –, Messi, Jorge Messi Organizations: CNN, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, BBC, The, Paris Saint, PSG, Sunday, Inter, FC Barcelona, Argentina Locations: Saudi Arabian, Al, Hilal, Saudi Arabia, Barcelona

☆ Lionel Messi’s preferred move would be back to Barcelona, father and agent says
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Lionel Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, says his son’s preferred move would be a return to Barcelona during the summer transfer window. Messi’s time at the club ended acrimoniously after PSG suspended him for taking an unauthorized trip abroad, with the Argentine later apologizing. Barça legendNow a move back to the club where Messi turned from schoolboy to sporting legend is on the cards. Under new coach and club legend Xavi, Barcelona this year won its first La Liga title in four years. Lionel Messi's father says his son's preferred move is back to Barcelona.

Persons: Lionel Messi’s, Jorge Messi, Messi, Germain, Jorge, ” Jorge, ” Messi, Xavi, Lionel Messi's, ” Xavi, “, Joan Laporta, he’s, ”, Leo, There’s Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, PSG, Ligue, Reuters, Saudi, Barcelona, Argentine, League, acrimoniously, Camp, La Liga Locations: Barcelona, Parc des, Al, Hilal, Argentine

☆ Argentina's Messi keen on rejoining Barcelona, says father
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

June 5 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi, who last week played his last game for Paris St Germain, is open to making a return to LaLiga side Barcelona, the Argentine forward's father said on Monday. Barca were forced to let their talisman leave in 2021 because his high wages coupled with strict LaLiga financial rules could have jeopardised the club's future. We are confident that Leo can come back," Messi's father Jorge said in an interview with Twitch channel Jijantes FC. The United States' Major League Soccer club Inter Miami have also been touted as a possible destination for Messi. Reporting by Aadi Nair in Nashik, India Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Paris St Germain, Barca, Messi, Ronald Araujo, Gavi, Joan Laporta, Leo, Messi's, Jorge, Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Aadi Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Paris St, PSG, Barca, Jijantes FC, Messi, Ligue, French, Reuters, Al, Real Madrid, United, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Argentine, Nou, Argentina, Qatar, Saudi Arabian, Hilal, Saudi Arabia, United States, Nashik, India

☆ Mbappe targets Ligue 1 scoring record with PSG next season
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Mbappe scored his 29th league goal of the season in PSG's final game on Saturday, a 3-2 defeat by Clermont, to finish top of the Ligue 1 scoring charts yet again. The Frenchman was earlier named Ligue 1 player of the season for the fourth time in a row last week. "It's true that it was at the end of the season, when we'd won the title, that it was a personal goal and I've achieved it. After vowing to honour his PSG contract, Mbappe's words are another clear indication that he will stay amid rumours of interest from Real Madrid, a club that has courted him in the past but failed to land the French forward. Mbappe signed a contract extension with PSG until 2025 last year, but Sky Sports reported it was only a two-year deal with a player option for a third year - which means Mbappe will be entering the final year of his contract next season.

Persons: Kylian Mbappe, Jean, Pierre Papin, Mbappe, Frenchman, AS Monaco's Wissam Ben Yedder, We've, I'm, we'd, I've, Papin, Rohith Nair, Sonali Paul Organizations: Ligue, PSG's, Clermont, PSG, AS Monaco's, Olympique de Marseille, Sky Sports, Thomson Locations: Real Madrid, Bengaluru

☆ Lionel Messi’s last game for Paris Saint-Germain ends in defeat
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-04 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Lionel Messi’s final game for Paris Saint-Germain ended in defeat as the Ligue 1 champion lost 3-2 at home to Clermont on Saturday. Sergio Ramos, who was also playing his final match for the club, scored as did Kylian Mbappé to give PSG a 2-0 lead within 21 minutes, but mid-table Clermont fought back for an unlikely win. PSG announced in a statement ahead of the match that Messi’s “adventure” with the club would conclude at the end of the season. But the former Barcelona star has had a difficult final season in Paris. Some PSG fans have recently booed his name before and during matches, doing so again at his final match, according to Reuters.

Persons: Lionel Messi’s, Germain, Sergio Ramos, Clermont, “, Leo Messi, Ballon, ”, Nasser al, Khelaifi, Leo, Messi, CNN Sport’s Amanda Davies Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, Ligue, Clermont, PSG, Parc des Princes, ” PSG, Champions League, Reuters, Messi Locations: Paris, Parc des, Barcelona, Saudi Arabia

☆ Messi to leave PSG at end of season after two years at the club
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

PARIS, June 3 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi will leave Paris St Germain at the end of season after two years at the Ligue 1 club, Paris St Germain said on Saturday. PSG host Clermont in the final round of Ligue 1 later on Saturday. "After two seasons in the French capital, Leo Messi’s adventure with Paris St Germain will come to an end at the conclusion of the 2022–23 campaign," PSG said in a statement. "I would like to thank Leo Messi for his two seasons in Paris. While he has 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, Messi failed to have a big impact at PSG and in his two seasons at the club, could not help them go past the last 16 in the Champions League.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Paris St Germain, Leo Messi’s, Paris, Leo Messi, Ballon, Nasser al, Khelaifi, Germain, Leo, Messi, Julien Pretot, Angus MacSwan, Frances Kerry Organizations: Paris St, Ligue, Paris, Saturday, PSG, Clermont, Reuters, Al, Barcelona, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Parc des Princes, Paris Saint, Champions League, Thomson Locations: Paris, Argentina, Saudi Arabian, Hilal, United States, Parc des

CNN —Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward Lionel Messi will play his last game for the club on Saturday, coach Christophe Galtier told reporters on Thursday. Messi’s current contract runs out in June and there has been much speculation about where he will be playing his football next season. It had been expected that Messi would leave the Parisian side and Galtier confirmed as much ahead of the team’s last game of the season against Clermont Foot. This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes,” Galtier confirmed. Messi, 35, led Argentina to a World Cup title in Qatar and won the Ligue 1 title with PSG this season for a second year running.

Persons: Germain, Lionel Messi, Christophe Galtier, Messi, Galtier, Clermont Foot, “, ” Galtier, Gaultier, “ He’s, It’s, ” Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, PSG, Clermont, Parc des Princes, Ligue, Messi Locations: Parc des, Argentina, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Europe’s

☆ Argentina star Messi to play last game for PSG on Saturday - Galtier
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Messi, who has 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, moved to the French capital from Barcelona in 2021 on a two-year contract. This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes," Galtier told reporters on Thursday. PSG'S TITLE CELEBRATIONS ON HOLDMessi's last game for PSG is unlikely to be a joyous affair, with Galtier saying that their title celebrations would be put on ice with the distraught squad's thoughts occupied with concern for goalkeeper Sergio Rico. We're all affected because we went from winning the French title on Saturday to waking up in more than a little pain on Sunday morning," Galtier told reporters ahead of PSG's final league game of the season. Reporting by Aadi Nair in Nashik, India; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Pritha SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Christophe Galtier, Messi, Galtier, He's, It's, Sergio Rico, Rico, it's, Sergio, Aadi Nair, Hugh Lawson, Pritha Organizations: Paris St Germain, Clermont, Parc des Princes, PSG, Ligue, French, Lorient, Reuters, Al, Barcelona, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Messi's, Racing Strasbourg, Sunday, Thomson Locations: Argentine, Parc des, Barcelona, Argentina, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabian, Hilal, United States, Spain, PSG's, Nashik, India

☆ Lionel Messi: What next for arguably the greatest player in history?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-30 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

CNN —After helping Paris Saint-Germain win its 11th Ligue 1 title at the weekend, Lionel Messi has some thinking to do. While Messi struggled with injury during his first season in Paris, he still managed to show flashes of his brilliance. Earlier this year, Messi’s long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Saudi club Al Nassr for an eye-watering sum of money, perhaps paving the way for other superstars to follow suit. “I think money is always a factor in human decision making,” Mora y Araujo said, amid reports Saudi club Al Hilal was targeting Messi’s signature. Despite an array of world class talent, PSG has failed to win the Champions League with Messi.

CNN —Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico has been hospitalized after an incident involving a mule cart and a runaway horse, according to his family. Rico was en route to mass next to the Hermitage of El Rocio when the “serious mishap” occurred. Paris Saint-Germain learned of the accident involving its player Sergio Rico on Sunday and remains in constant contact with his loved ones. — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 28, 2023“We now await medical results which we hope will be positive so we can inform you of his improvement as soon as possible.”PSG released a statement on Twitter, saying: “Paris Saint-Germain learned of the accident involving its player Sergio Rico on Sunday and remains in constant contact with his loved ones. “The entire Red and Blue community offers them its full support.”Rico was on the bench for the 1-1 draw in Strasbourg.

☆ Mauricio Pochettino named as next Chelsea head coach
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-29 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino is set to join Chelsea ahead of next season, the club announced on Monday. Pochettino, who left PSG last year, has signed an initial two-year contract at Chelsea and begins the new role on July 1. Pochettino gives instructions to PSG forward Kylian Mbappé during last season's Champions League game against Real Madrid. David Ramos/Getty ImagesThe Argentine joins a Chelsea team short on form but with plenty of star power in its ranks after the club spent liberally on signings over the past year. “We are delighted that Mauricio will be joining Chelsea.

☆ Lionel Messi breaks a Cristiano Ronaldo record as PSG wins Ligue 1 title
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-28 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —There was another landmark in the long rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday. As Paris Saint-Germain sealed an 11th Ligue 1 title, Messi scored his 496th goal in Europe’s top five leagues, surpassing Ronaldo’s previous record of 495 goals. Kevin Gameiro equalized for Strasbourg twenty minutes later, but PSG still coasted to the league title despite the match ended in a draw. It was a record-breaking day for PSG as well as Messi, as the club overtook Saint-Etienne’s haul of 10 Ligue 1 trophies to claim the outright record. Messi scored PSG's only goal of the night.

☆ José Mourinho left in tears as Roma reaches Europa League final, giving him a chance to continue his perfect record
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The phrase “nobody’s perfect” just might not apply to José Mourinho when it comes to European soccer finals. “My concern isn’t marking my place in the Roma history books,” Mourinho told Sky Sports after the match. Roma will now face Sevilla in the Europa League final at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna on May 31. The Spanish team is likely to be a formidable foe – not least because Sevilla has won all six of its previous Europa League finals. Roma reached the Europa League following a 1-0 victory on aggregate against Bayer Leverkusen.

☆ Lionel Messi booed by some Paris Saint-Germain fans on his return from suspension
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Lionel Messi endured a difficult return to Paris Saint-Germain’s starting line-up as some of his own team’s fans booed the Argentine before and during PSG’s convincing victory over Ajaccio at the Parc des Princes. But some PSG fans made their feelings known during the 5-0 win on Saturday, which moved the club closer to a record 11th Ligue 1 title. It isn’t the first time Messi has been booed by some of PSG’s fans this season. In March both Messi and Neymar were booed by a significant section of PSG fans. Both teams ended the match with 10 men after Hakimi and Ajaccio’s Thomas Mangani were sent off late in the game.

☆ PSG close in on French title as AC Ajaccio go down
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

PARIS, May 13 (Reuters) - Paris St Germain edged closer to a record 11th French title when they beat AC Ajaccio 5-0 at home on Saturday, sending the Corsican side into Ligue 2 as Lionel Messi faced the wrath of the Parc des Princes. Christophe Galtier's side lead second-placed RC Lens, who beat Stade de Reims on Friday 2-1 despite being down to 10 men, by six points. Ajaccio are 18th on 23 points, 11 points from 16th-placed AJ Auxerre. Messi apologised to PSG and his team mates last Friday and was left out of the squad for their 3-1 win at second-bottom Troyes two days later. He was below par on Saturday as PSG bulldozed past Ajaccio.

☆ 'As long as he's happy', Argentina boss unconcerned about Messi moves
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 10 (Reuters) - Argentina's World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni said he does not care where Lionel Messi plays his club football as long as he feels comfortable and happy. French media on Tuesday reported that a move to a Saudi club was a "done deal", adding that the Argentina captain was in the process of finalising details before signing a contract. "Let him go to where he will feel comfortable with his team mates and the club's fans," Scaloni told Qatar's Al-Kass channel. "The matter does not affect us as a national team as long as he's happy when he joins us and we need him to be happy." Messi, who apologised to PSG and his team mates last week, returned to training on Monday.

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