Soccer

Messi set for return as PSG farewell looms

Lionel Messi is in line to return for Paris Saint-Germain for Saturday’s Ligue 1 recreation at residence to Ajaccio after a club-imposed suspension for occurring an unauthorised journey to Saudi Arabia.

ALSO READ: Messi future undecided, says father after Saudi links

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner sat out final weekend’s win at Troyes after lacking a coaching session to fulfil commitments in his function as a Saudi tourism ambassador.

The Argentine later apologised to the membership and his team-mates, and resumed coaching with PSG on Monday, however his time on the Parc des Princes is coming to a tragic finish.

After two uninspiring years in France, Messi appears set to play in Saudi Arabia subsequent season as a part of a blockbuster deal that might see him comply with arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo to the Gulf kingdom.

Messi, who turns 36 subsequent month, will signal a “huge” contract with an as-yet-unnamed membership, a supply near the negotiations advised AFP this week.

“Messi is a done deal. He will play in Saudi Arabia next season,” stated the supply, talking on situation of anonymity.

“The contract is exceptional. It’s huge. We are just finalising some small details,” added the supply, who will not be authorised to talk to media.

PSG have but to verify the departure, whereas Messi’s father and agent Jorge insists the World Cup winner has not determined the place he’ll play subsequent season.

But it seems sure his stint at PSG will conclude in June, after the membership hopes to have fun a document eleventh French league crown. 

“If the club had wanted to renew his contract, it would have been done earlier,” stated a PSG supply.

Lens can shut the hole on the prime to a few factors in the event that they beat Reims on Friday, however the title stays PSG’s to lose with their 4 remaining fixtures in opposition to sides within the backside half.

Upcoming opponents Ajaccio are destined for a right away return to Ligue 2 having gained simply as soon as in 13 matches, with three of the 4 relegation spots all however determined.

ALSO READ: ‘It has been an honour’ – Barcelona legend Busquets to leave club

Auxerre, in 16th, are combating to keep away from struggling the identical destiny as Ajaccio and tackle Brest, the crew straight above them within the standings.

Strasbourg bid to proceed their late-season resurgence in opposition to Nice as the go to of relegated Angers supplies third-placed Marseille the best likelihood to bounce again from defeat at Lens.

One to look at: Elye Wahi

The 20-year-old striker grew to become the primary participant to attain 4 occasions for Montpellier in a Ligue 1 recreation in final weekend’s extraordinary 5-4 loss at Lyon.

The France Under-21 worldwide has netted 17 targets for the marketing campaign, pulling to inside 4 of Olivier Giroud’s membership document set throughout Montpellier’s title-winning season in 2011-12.

It hasn’t been a seamless path to the highest for Wahi, who was kicked out of Caen’s academy earlier than practically becoming a member of Rennes, however better issues lie forward for a participant more and more in demand.

Key stats

46 – factors collected by Lens on the Stade Bollaert-Delelis this season. They have the league’s greatest residence document by a distance, successful 15 of 17 matches.

17 – video games with out a win for Troyes. After kicking off the brand new 12 months with a victory at Strasbourg, Troyes have claimed solely 4 factors since and might be relegated this weekend.

10 – golf equipment to have modified coach this season in Ligue 1 after Antoine Kombouare was dismissed by Nantes. His substitute Pierre Aristouy’s first recreation in cost is in opposition to Toulouse, who thrashed the Canaries 5-1 within the French Cup closing.

Fixtures (kick-offs all GMT)

Friday

Lens v Reims (1900)

Saturday

Strasbourg v Nice (1500), Paris Saint-Germain v Ajaccio (1900)

Sunday

Clermont v Lyon (1100), Brest v Auxerre, Montpellier v Lorient, Rennes v Troyes, Toulouse v Nantes (all 1500), Monaco v Lille (1505), Marseille v Angers (1845)


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