PSG Manager Confirms Messi’s Departure

Lionel Messi will play his final game for Paris St-Germain against Clermont on Saturday, says manager Christophe Galtier.

It was reported in May that the 35-year-old Argentina forward would leave when his contract ends this summer.

Messi, who joined on a free transfer from Barcelona in July 2021, helped PSG win two successive Ligue 1 titles.

“I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football,” said Galtier.

“This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.”

PSG increased security at the homes of Messi, forward Neymar, midfielder Marco Verratti and Galtier last month following protest from fans.

It followed a defeat by Lorient and Messi being suspended for two weeks after travelling to Saudi Arabia without PSG’s permission. He later apologised to his team-mates.

Messi captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup and, following his return from the tournament, appeared set to stay at PSG.

The two parties reached an agreement in principle to extend his stay by a year before changing their minds.

Messi has 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, and 32 goals in 74 matches for the club overall.

PSG have been knocked out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage in the past two seasons.

Spanish football writer Guillem Balague said Messi is set to make a decision on his future soon but will not return to Barcelona, the club where he spent 21 years.

Teams Battle For Glory As 23 General Gagariga U17 Classic Dunks Off

No fewer than four teams,representing Mogadishu Cantonment, Mambilla Barracks, Luingi Barracks and G-Rank Basketball Club from Bauchi State are battling for glory at this year’s Major General T.A Gagariga U17 Basketball Classic.

The classic, which is an inter-Barracks tournament designed for youths between aged 17 and under holds from Thursday, June 1 to Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.

Spokesperson for the organising committee, James Baba Muda, who gave an insight as to the essence and benefits of the tournament, revealed that another Major General, U.S. Mohammed has also been supportive in ensuring that the tournament’s objectives are achieved.

“The initiative is meant to create sporting opportunities, help in driving economic transformation, as well as sports innovations and entertainment.

But the optimal goal is to give kids, especially those in the barracks a platform to discover their inherent talents and be taught life skills, thereby taking them away from social vices like doing illicit drugs,” James said. The three-day tournament is to be played on a round robin basis.