Lionel Messi showcased his brilliance once again as Paris St-Germain secured their 11th Ligue 1 title with a draw against Strasbourg.
Messi’s goal, a superb finish assisted by Kylian Mbappe, marked his 32nd goal for PSG, and it may very well be his last as he is expected to depart at the end of the season.
Kevin Gameiro managed to equalize for Strasbourg, but a single point was all PSG needed to fend off competition from Lens, securing the championship with one game remaining.
The post-match celebrations were relatively subdued, as PSG had virtually secured the title last week due to their superior goal difference.
The closing minutes of the game saw a leisurely pace, with both teams content with sharing the spoils. Strasbourg can now breathe a sigh of relief as they are safe from relegation.
Despite guiding PSG to their ninth title in the last 11 years, Christophe Galtier’s future as the team’s manager remains uncertain.
Galtier took charge at the beginning of the season after leading Lille to the 2020-21 championship. However, PSG’s early exit from the Champions League in the round of 16 against Bayern Munich was a significant setback.
PSG has now surpassed Marseille’s previous record of 10 French titles, three of which were won before their rivals’ formation in 1970.
Messi’s goal in this title-clinching game ensures that his time at PSG will end on a more positive note than anticipated at the start of May.
The Argentine maestro faced a two-week suspension for travelling to Saudi Arabia without the club’s permission. Security was subsequently heightened at his residence after fans directed chants against him. Many had doubts about whether Messi would ever don the PSG jersey again following the conclusion of his ban.
