Lionel Messi Sets Incredible Record in Final Ligue 1 Season With PSG

• Lionel Messi leaves Ligue 1 as the player with the most assists in the 2022/23 season
• The Argentine star confirmed his departure from the French champions this summer
• Barcelona, Al-Hilal, and Inter Miami are all attempting to sign Messi as a free agent

Lionel Messi is the new king of assists in Ligue 1.

The 35-year-old Argentine signed out of Paris Saint-Germain with a bang after ending the 2022/23 campaign with the most assists in the French league.

Messi had a total of 16 assists in 31 appearances to emerge top of the Ligue 1 assists leaderboard in the just-concluded season, five more than closest challenger and PSG teammate - Neymar Junior.

However, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner failed to break the record for the most assists recorded in a Ligue 1 season, which stands at 18 and was set by his former PSG teammate, Angel Di Maria, PSG Talks reports.

Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi set to make acting debut in June

Football

Messi has confirmed his departure from the Parisians after refusing to renew his contract beyond this summer and is set to reveal his new club soon, with Barcelona and Al-Hilal both heavy favourites to sign him.

Messi could delay Al-Hilal move

Meanwhile, Messi has fuelled speculation that he is keen on returning to Barcelona this summer after he asked Saudi Arabian club, Al-Hilal to delay his transfer, Goal reports.

On Monday, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner and his entourage met with a Saudi delegation and requested they postpone an expected move to the Pro League until 2024.

Messi's decision comes just hours after his father, Jorge, stated his son would like to return to Barcelona, with La Liga agreeing to the club's financial viability plan to allow the legend's return.

La Liga approves Barcelona’s plan

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on La Liga approving Barcelona's viability plan, making it now possible for the veteran to return to the club.

Adorable moment Lionel Messi waves at PSG fans singing his name, video

Football

Messi is a free agent on June 30 and announced his departure from PSG on Saturday, ahead of an official statement confirming this news.

The Catalans have been delayed in getting the green light from La Liga on a plan to convince the league they can pull off the bold signing.