This is Lionel Messi's new record 0:23

(Reuters) -- Argentine striker Lionel Messi will play his final game for Paris Saint Germain (PSG) on Saturday against Clermont, coach Christophe Galtier said on Thursday.

"I have had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope he receives the warmest of welcomes," Galtier told reporters Thursday.

Messi, who has 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, arrived in the French capital from Barcelona in 2021 on a two-year contract.

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"This year, he's been an important part of the team, always available. I don't think any of the comments or criticisms are justified," Galtier said.

"He's always been there for the team. It has been a great privilege to accompany him throughout the season."

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Messi's future at PSG has been the subject of much speculation recently, with a source close to the Argentine captain telling Reuters he had received a formal offer to join Saudi club Al-Hilal next season.

In addition to the Saudi team, some reports have linked Messi with a possible signing by Inter Miami of David Beckham, who is a known admirer of the Argentine.

There is also the possibility that Messi returns to Barcelona or his native Argentina, although they are options with several obstacles, especially the second, because the world champion still has football to be in a top league in Europe.

Whatever his next destination, the only sure thing for now is the imminent departure of Messi from PSG, whose relationship was strained and worn out little by little.

What went wrong at PSG?

Messi arrived in the French capital to great fanfare. He was to be the missing piece in the puzzle, the man who would lead the team to their first Champions League trophy.

In his first season in Paris, Messi had to battle injuries, but still managed to show flashes of his brilliance.

He helped the team win another Ligue 1 title, but PSG failed in the Champions League, being defeated by eventual champions Real Madrid in the knockout stages.

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His second season started much better, and his collective play with the likes of Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé was the envy of teams around the world.

However, after his sensational participation in the December 2022 World Cup with Argentina, he struggled again at the Parisian club.

In March, PSG was again eliminated from the Champions League in the second round, this time at the hands of Bayern Munich.

This led to a bitter end to the season and Messi was one of the star players who received a hostile reaction from fans later that month.

Messi was banned with a two-week ban after leaving France to attend a promotional event in Saudi Arabia; The unauthorized trip caused him to miss a training session.

The big question now is: where will Messi play?

With reporting by CNN's Ben Church.

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