Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has won its 11th French league title, breaking the record held by Saint-Etienne. PSG clinched the title after drawing 1-1 at Strasbourg on Saturday, moving four points ahead of second-place Lens with a game left. Lionel Messi, World Cup winner, scored the opening goal for PSG from Kylian Mbappe’s pass in the 59th minute, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoring record for Europe’s top five leagues with his 496th career league goal in Europe. Former PSG striker Kevin Gameiro equalized for Strasbourg in the 79th minute. PSG have won nine of its 11 titles since Qatari backers QSI took charge 12 years ago, with the first of those in 2013. PSG’s other titles were in 1986 and 1994.
Coach Christophe Galtier Speaks on the Title
Christophe Galtier, PSG’s coach, spoke about the team’s win, saying, “Everything was not perfect, but this title belongs to the players. Being French champions is always something. From a personal point of view, I appreciate it a lot.” When asked about his future at the club after one season in charge, Galtier said, “I’ve been reading a lot of things here and there but there is a difference between what’s being written and what’s happening.”
Messi’s Future with PSG
Lionel Messi, who scored the opening goal for PSG, is set to play his last game for the club next Saturday when PSG hosts Clermont. Sources told ESPN earlier this month that Messi will leave PSG when his contract expires this summer. The 35-year-old has an offer from Saudi Arabia and he is aware of interest from former club Barcelona and Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, sources added. Messi has felt the ire of PSG fans at times this season after his form dipped following his return from Argentina’s victory at the World Cup, and he was suspended by the club this month after an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. But in the end, it was his goal that allowed the fans to celebrate and gave Messi a 43rd career major trophy for club and country.
Paris Saint-Germain has clinched its 11th French league title, breaking Saint-Etienne’s record. PSG won nine of its 11 titles since Qatari backers QSI took charge 12 years ago, with the first of those in 2013. PSG’s other titles were in 1986 and 1994. Lionel Messi scored the opening goal for PSG against Strasbourg, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoring record for Europe’s top five leagues with his 496th career league goal in Europe. Messi is set to play his last game for PSG next Saturday when PSG hosts Clermont. Sources told ESPN earlier this month that Messi will leave PSG when his contract expires this summer.
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