Lionel Messi surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo for the most goals scored inside Europe’s top five leagues, as his record 496th strike helped Paris Saint-Germain win the French title on Saturday.
Messi, 35, opened the scoring just before the hour mark with a goal assisted by team-mate Kylian Mbappe, leaving eternal rival Ronaldo in second place on 495. PSG were pegged late on when former striker Kevin Gameiro notched an equaliser. But it didn’t matter, as all the reigning champions had to do in order to defend their Ligue 1 title was avoid defeat at the Stade de la Meinau.
It’s Messi’s second league title in France, having also won it during his first season with the Parisians, but will likely be his last. The Argentine icon is set to depart the Parc des Princes this summer when his two-year contract expires, with one final home game to come next Saturday when Clermont Foot come to the capital.
Messi has been tipped for a fairytale return to Barcelona but is reportedly leaning towards a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia, where Ronaldo – two years his senior – is already playing. The Portuguese superstar has turned out for Al-Nassr since January and rivals Al-Hilal are hoping to earn Messi’s signature once his deal with PSG expires next month.
Barca remain hopeful that they secure a homecoming transfer, though, with president Joan Laporta confirming transfer talks with the 35-year-old after the Blaugrana won the La Liga title earlier this month. “I’ve spoken with Leo. It was very nice,” Laporta revealed to TV3. “We have recovered the relationship.
“Messi wants Barca, he feels this club is his home. Saudi Arabia? Barca is Barca. In Arabia, they are doing a good job, investing – but I insist, Barca is his home. Barca can compete with anyone.
