Lionel Messi was instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic win of their 11th French league title. PSG drew a 1-1 draw against Strasbourg in a hotly contested encounter, which was enough to capture the championship.

Messi put PSG ahead in the 59th minute after receiving an assist from Kylian Mbappe. Kevin Gameiro, a former PSG striker, equalized for Strasbourg in the 79th minute.

Messi’s goal was his 496th in European league tournaments, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous record for the top five European leagues. It could also be his last, as the Argentina international is widely anticipated to leave PSG at the season’s conclusion and has been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia or the MLS.

Lens beat relegated Ajaccio 3-0 at home to secure second place and automatic admission into next season’s Champions League. Belgium attacker Los Openda scored 20 league goals in his debut season at the club.

PSG, the defending champion, surpassed Saint-Étienne, a former French powerhouse that won its tenth title in 1981 but was demoted to the second division last season.

PSG has won nine of its 11 titles since Qatari-backed QSI took over in 2013, with the first coming in 2013. PSG also won titles in 1986 and 1994.

The trophy will be celebrated at Parc des Princes next Saturday when PSG hosts Clermont in what could be Messi’s final game for PSG. He has not exercised the one-year extension option on the deal he signed two years ago.

It was PSG coach Christophe Galtier’s second league triumph, guiding Lille to an unlikely victory in 2021 when his team finished ahead of PSG.

Source: livemint