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Lionel Messi helped Paris Saint-Germain clinch a record 11th French league title on Saturday and broke another scoring record in the process. Messi scored the opening goal as PSG drew 1-1 at Strasbourg and moved four points clear of second-place Lens with one game left. Messi put PSG ahead in the 59th minute with a pass from Kylian Mbappé. Former PSG striker Kevin Gameiro equalized for Strasbourg in the 79th. It was Messi’s 496th career league goal in Europe, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for scoring in Europe’s top five leagues. It could also be his last, as the Argentine star is widely expected to leave PSG at the end of the season and has been linked with a possible move to Saudi Arabia or MLS.
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Lens beat Ajaccio 3–0 at home to secure second place and automatic entry into next season’s Champions League, with Belgian forward Lois Openda reaching 20 league goals in his first season at the club. Defending champion PSG pipped former French powerhouse Saint-Étienne, which won its 10th title in 1981 but was relegated to the second division last season. PSG have won nine of their 11 titles since Qatari backers QSI took over 12 years ago, the first of which was in 2013. PSG’s other titles were in 1986 and ’94.
Leo Messi did wonders in less than 50 games pic.twitter.com/NXV0VN8wCt— Barca Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) May 27, 2023
“This is definitely a historic moment for Paris Saint-Germain. This 11th French league title is the reward for all the hard work we have done over the past 12 years,” said PSG president Nasser El-Khelafi, who took over in 2011. control from “Making Ligue 1 history and leading Saint-Etienne is a real source of pride.”
_ Relive the highlights of the decisive match that won us our 11th title! ,#RCSAPSG
, , pic.twitter.com/VUUqqi8sGT– Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 27, 2023
The title will be celebrated next Saturday at the Parc des Princes when PSG host Clermont in what could be Messi’s last game for PSG. He has not taken up the option for an additional year on the contract he signed two years ago.
Messi has felt the wrath of PSG fans at times this season after a slump in form following his return from Argentina’s World Cup win, and he was suspended by the club this month following an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. But in the end it was his goal that allowed fans to celebrate – and gave Messi his 43rd career trophy for club and country.
It was a second league title for PSG coach Christophe Gaultier after guiding Lille to contrasting success in 2021 after his side were overtaken by PSG.
Marseille lost 2–1 at home to Brest but finished third and entered the Champions League qualifying round.
Marseille is the only French club to win Europe’s top competition and fans lit fireworks in the southern port city on Friday night to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their victory against AC Milan.
Fourth place secured Europa League entry and two penalties from Canadian striker Jonathan David saw Lille move into pole position as they reached 24 goals after beating Nantes 2–1.
After a 2-0 home win against Monaco, Rennes are just one point behind Lille, who have moved from fourth to sixth in the Europa Conference League, finishing fifth. Rennes and Monaco are level on points but Rennes has the better goal difference.
With eight-time champions Nantes close to relegation, Auxerre drew 1-1 against French Cup winners Toulouse to remain in 16th place, two points ahead of Nantes. Four sides go down in this season. Angers, Ajaccio and Troyes were already relegated in last place.
