(Football news) Paris Saint-Germain claimed their record 11th French ligue 1 title after drawing 1-1 at Strasbourg as they moved four points ahead of Lens with one game left. World Cup winner Lionel Messi scored from Kylian Mbappe’s pass in the 59th minute. While former PSG striker Kevin Gameiro equalized for Strasbourg in the 79th minute. It was yet another record breaking appearance for Messi as he scored his 496th career league goal in Europe which subsequently broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoring record in Europe’s top five leagues.
Lens on the other hand secured second place in the league and earned direct entry into next season’s Champions League when they beat relegated Ajaccio 3-0 at home. PSG have overtakenSaint-Etienne, who had won their 10th title in 1981 but last season they relegated to the second division.The title win is all set to be celebrated next Saturday at Parc des Princes when PSG hosts Clermont in what is likely going to be Messi and Neymar’s last game for PSG.
The rumours held more clarity when Messi was spotted at a Coldplay concert rather than attending the annual Ligue 1 awards, where he was nominated for the best player in the league. Now it looks certain that he will leave PSG when his contract expires this summer. The 35-year-old has had an incredible offer from Saudi Arabia and he is also aware of interest from former club Barcelona and Inter Miami.
Messi ever since winning the World Cup has felt appreciated by the PSG fans at times this season. His form somewhat dipped after guiding his country to victory at the World Cup, then to make matters worse he was suspended by the club this month after an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. But in the end his goal won them the Ligue 1 title and it was also Messi’s 43rd career major trophy for club and country.
“Everything was not perfect, but this title belongs to the players. Being French champions is always something,” said coach Christophe Galtier. “From a personal point of view, I appreciate it a lot.”
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.”
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. “This is of course an historic moment for Paris Saint-Germain. This 11th French league title is the reward for all the hard work we have put in over the last 12 years,” said PSG president Nasser al-Khelaïfi, who has been in control since 2011. “To make Ligue 1 history and overtake Saint-Etienne is a real source of pride.”
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