PSG suffered defeat in their final game of the 2022/23 season, as the Ligue 1 champions lost 3-2 at home to Clermont, in Lionel Messi’s farewell performance.
The combined exits of Messi and Sergio Ramos were the big pre-game talking points with both players stepping out on the Parc des Princes pitch for the final time as PSG players.
The script looked written for a winning end in the French capital, as Ramos and Ligue 1 Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe eased PSG into an early 2-0 lead.
However, some poor defending allowed Johan Gastien and Mehdi Zaffane to drag Clermont level before the break.
Messi’s moment looked to have arrived after the restart, only for the Argentinian to miss a gilt-edged chance, and as the clock ticked down, Grejohn Kyei popped up to win it for Clermont, as Messi’s PSG adventure ended miserably.
MORE: Why is Lionel Messi leaving PSG? Explaining the reasons behind Paris exit after
PSG vs Clermont final score
Final | Scorers | |
PSG | 2 | Ramos, Mbappe (pen) |
Clermont | 3 | Gastien, Zaffane, Kyei |
Lineups:
PSG (3-4-3): Donnarumma (Letiellier) (GK) — Danilo, Marquinhos (Bitshiabu), Ramos — Hakimi, Vitinha (Soler), Verratti, Zaire-Emery — Messi, Mbappe, Ekitike (Sanches)
Clermont (3-4-3): Diaw (GK) — Seidu, Wieteska, Caufriez — Zeffane (Allevinah), Gonalons (Khaoui), Gastien, Borges — Rashani, Kyei (Andric), Cham (Magnin)
Boos turn to silence as Messi bows out
PSG confirmed the news their fans have been expecting for weeks with Messi’s exit sealed following a breakdown in relations since the start of 2023.
Messi’s departure marks a huge change in approach, in just over six months, with the club hierarchy expressing confidence over securing a renewal for another 12 months with the Argentinian at the end of 2022.
However, a fractured relationship with the fans, and the decision to suspend him for an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, meant there was no way back for the former Barcelona star.
Neymar and Messi for the one last time 🥲 pic.twitter.com/n6rnfl0nJL
— L/M Football (@lmfootbalI) June 3, 2023
Sections of the PSG ultras booed his name being read out ahead of the Clermont loss and Messi’s misses in the game only deepened the sense of both sides wanting it to be over.
The final whistle brought a muted response towards Messi’s farewell, with a smattering of boos as the Ligue 1 trophy was lifted, and that apathy shows the resignation over the situation, with a wave of inevitability ahead of a bold step for Messi.
fischi fino alla fine #messi #psg pic.twitter.com/0R3SlRV22b
— Alessandro Grandesso (@agrandesso) June 3, 2023
Superman Mbappe retains Golden Boot
With so much attention on Messi’s final night in Paris, Mbappe further underlined his status as the current PSG talisman, to defend his Ligue 1 Golden Boot.
Mbappe’s spot kick brought him up to 29 league goals for the season, as his highest league tally at PSG, since scoring 33 in 2018/19.
His own future in Paris remains unclear, with a looming decision on whether to activate an extension clause until 2025, on the horizon this summer.
Top scorer @KMbappe 🌟 pic.twitter.com/LSIKwyBnI2
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) June 3, 2023
Messi’s exit will have an impact on Mbappe’s own perspective with the Les Bleus hotshot looking increasingly likely to leave Paris at some point in his career.
His goals and leadership show why PSG will block any exit this summer, as a priority, and they will pin their hopes on him in 2023/24
PSG crossroads after Messi exit
Messi and Ramos will leave two glaring holes in the PSG starting XI next season and it is difficult to see a clear plan on how the club replace them.
Messi’s enduring quality and Ramos’ experience are unmatched in world football, and if Christophe Galtier is retained, he will need to develop a new plan.
😞 La solitude de Christophe Galtier … pic.twitter.com/u8rPOdtjep
— Prime Video Sport France (@PVSportFR) June 3, 2023
PSG have dropped hints over their plan to stick with Galtier, with Mauricio Pochettino joining Chelsea, and Zinedine Zidane off the radar, but the situation remains delicate.
Fans have shown their lack of patience with the previous strategy of signing expensive stars, with no regard paid to their suitability, and Messi and Ramos’ combined exit offers a chance for genuine change in Paris.
PSG vs Clermont as it happened on Messi’s final night in Paris
FULL-TIME: PSG 2 CLERMONT 3
A night to forget as Messi and Ramos say goodbye to PSG with defeat on a controversial ending for the Argentinian.
After being booed by some sections of the home fans before kickoff, Messi missed a crucial late chance, and Grejohn Kyei’s winner ensured a frustrating conclusion.
*Watch in UK
A bitter sweet end in Paris for Lionel Messi as PSG are beaten 3-2 by Clermont… 😳 pic.twitter.com/9l5WyaM0lb
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) June 3, 2023
90th+3 Min: Messi’s final kick of the ball as a PSG player is denied by Diaw and the final whistle goes on a difficult night for the champions.
90th Min: Three minutes added on and Clermont will be very happy to run the clock down in Paris.
81st Min: More changes from Galtier as the clock ticks down. Back up goal keeper Alexandre Letellier is given a run out in place of Donnarumma and El Chadaille Bitshiabu comes on for Marquinhos.
Gyei is cheered off by the away fans as Komnen Andric sprints on. PSG win a string of corners, but Clermont stand firm.
75th Min: Frustration is starting to creep in for PSG now as Danilo picks up a booking, Can the hosts final a winner on Messi and Ramos’ final night?
70th Min: Clermont almost make it four on the counter attack but Donnarumma keeps out the impressive Rashani.
Changes from the home side now, as Yohan Magnin and Saif-Eddine Khaoui come on for Cham and Maxime Gonalons.
65th Min: CLERMONT HAVE TURNED IT AROUND!
THE VISITORS ARE IN FRONT!
Rashani’s low ball into the box is perfect and Kyei steers home!
*Watch in UK
Clermont go from 2-0 down to 3-2 up!! 🤩
PSG are falling apart… 😳 pic.twitter.com/K9z0aFbAMm
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) June 3, 2023
60th Min: Another chance carved out for Messi, but Diaw is on hand to make an important stop, as Galtier makes a double change.
Carlos Soler and Renato Sanches are on and Vitinha and Ekitike head off.
⏱ 57′ – Double Parisian substitution.#PSGCF63 2-2 I #Ligue1#ÁnimoSergioRico pic.twitter.com/QmJYQaKkrl
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 3, 2023
55th Min: PSG have looked bright since the restart, and Messi misses a perfect chance to put them back in front.
Mbappe races clear of the Clermont defence and cuts back for his strike partner, however, Messi gets a bad connection on the pass and fires over!
*Watch in UK
Kylian Mbappe lays the ball on a plate for Lionel Messi who skies it well over the bar! 😳
So unusual for the Argentine… pic.twitter.com/z1NqAKet7R
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) June 3, 2023
46th Min: WE ARE BACK!
▶️ Coup d’envoi de la seconde période dans ce #PSGCF63 (2-2).
#ÁnimoSergioRico pic.twitter.com/bPCuupcna1— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) June 3, 2023
A half time change from Clermont as goal scorer Zaffane is forced off with an injury and Jim Allevinah comes on.
HALF TIM4E: PSG 2 CLERMONT 2
A wild first half in Paris as PSG have surrendered a 2-0 lead to head in at the break level at 2-2.
Ramos signed off his PSG career with an excellent opener before Mbappe calmly stroked home from the spot to put the home side in control.
Kylian Mbappe held up Sergio Rico’s shirt during his goal celebration in solidarity with his teammate who is currently in hospital! pic.twitter.com/izphAWlrVp
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) June 3, 2023
However, Clermont have rallied brilliantly in the French capital, with goals from Gastien and Zeffane, either side of a penalty miss by Kyei, putting them right back in the contest.
45th Min: CLERMONT EQUALISE!
WOW!
Four goals in 45 minutes as Clermont recover from PSG’s early blitz at the Parc des Princes!
Rashani’s cross shot is not dealt with by Donnarumma and Mehdi Zeffane reacts quickest, to poke home from close range.
43 Mins: Messi has his best chance so far on his big night in Paris. However, his dipping free kick swerves just over Diaw’s crossbar, a superb effort from the departing star.
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😱 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄! 🇦🇷 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐞𝐲𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐳𝐳𝐨 #𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐞𝟏 🇫🇷
LIVE NOW on beIN SPORTS 📺 pic.twitter.com/6CWeUEA87r
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) June 3, 2023
36th Min: KYEI MISSES!
A woeful spot kick from Clermont’s top scorer as he drags one wide of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s post!
⏱ 37′
Grejohn Kyei manque sa tentative
🔴🔵 2⃣ – 1⃣ 🌋 #PSGCF63
— Clermont Foot 63 (@ClermontFoot) June 3, 2023
35th Min: PENALTY CLERMONT!
Warren Zaire-Emery is penalised for a handball inside the box and Leonard awards a penalty!
34th Min: PSG break forward at pace and Messi slips in Ekitike but his effort is off target for the hosts.
27th Min: End-to-end action now as Cham hammers a great chance to equalise wide of the upright and Mbappe is booked for a poor challenge on Seidu.
21st Min: CLERMONT HIT BACK!
PSG’s lead is immediately halved as Gastien pounces on Marco Verratti’s mistake to slide the visitors back into the contest! An incredible first half in Paris despite this tie being the final game of the campaign for the already crowned champions.
*Watch in UK
Marco Verratti will not want to watch that back in a hurry… 😳
Clermont pull one back against PSG! pic.twitter.com/ARHAtJPAUX
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) June 3, 2023
20th Min: PSG 2-0!
The game has completely flipped on its head! Alidu Seidu lunges in on Hakimi and Leonard signals for a penalty.
Kylian Mbappe holds his nerve after the VAR check to slot home his 29th Ligue goal of the season!
The PSG captain immediately celebrates with a show of support to Rico.
*Watch in USA
𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐄𝐋𝐒𝐄? ⚽🔥 𝐌𝐛𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞́ 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐-𝟎 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐨’𝐬 𝐣𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐲 #𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐞𝟏 🇫🇷
LIVE NOW on beIN SPORTS 📺 pic.twitter.com/tOvH3JggCo
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) June 3, 2023
15th Min: GOAL PSG LEAD 1-0!
That increase in pressure for PSG pays off! Vitinha delivers a deep cross to the back post and the departing Ramos does brilliantly to head home past Diaw!
*Watch in UK
What a way to sign off!! 🙌
Sergio Ramos bags PSG’s first goal of the night on his last appearance for the club!! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ao6ZJlvkgt
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) June 3, 2023
*Watch in USA
𝐀 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥! 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐨 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐒𝐆’𝐬 𝟏-𝟎 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 #𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐞𝟏 🇫🇷
LIVE NOW on beIN SPORTS 📺 pic.twitter.com/Xik3NicFZd
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) June 3, 2023
14th Min: PSG now look to go up through the gears as Messi forces a smart stop from Mory Diaw.
11th Min: Clermont have carried the greater threat so far and Johan Gastien lines up an effort that flashes just past the post.
7th Min: VAR RULES IT OUT!
A frantic start from Clermont, but their opener is ruled out by VAR! Referee Thomas Leonard was alerted to check the replay and a handball by Rashani in the build sees the goal removed.
4th Min: CLERMONT HAVE TAKEN THE LEAD!
Grejohn Kyei has shocked the hosts with a superb finish!
KICK – OFF: PSG VS CLERMONT
▶️ #PSGCF63 is underway! Last match of the season for our Parisians.#ÁnimoSergioRico pic.twitter.com/FTRGH7i568
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 3, 2023
20 mins: Messi booed in PSG warm up!
Despite the huge attention on Messi’s big night, some sections of the PSG ultras are still unhappy with the Argentinian, with loud boos following his name being read out in the stadium team announcement.
Fans have booed and jeered Messi at various points in 2023 and it is a reminder over on of the reasons why he is ready to leave Paris in the coming weeks.
🚨🇦🇷| Leo Messi’s name was still booed by some when his name was announced in the starting 11 during his last game as a PSG player.. 🤦🏻♂️🫠
pic.twitter.com/9zyBrSxz6r— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) June 3, 2023
45 mins to KO: TEAM NEWS IS IN!
Achraf Hakimi and Hugo Ekitike both come into the starting line up for PSG, as Galtier switches to a 3-4-3 system, with Juan Bernat and Renato Sanches dropping out of the XI.
Our starting lineup for the final game of the season. #PSGCF63 #ÁnimoSergioRico pic.twitter.com/4WbwnIvzDB
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 3, 2023
A pair of changes for Clermont as Elbasan Rashani and Muhammed Cham come in to start.
⚔️ Nos XI Clermontois pour cette rencontre face à @PSG_inside !#PSGCF63 pic.twitter.com/OUf6zd7zkL
— Clermont Foot 63 (@ClermontFoot) June 3, 2023
1 hour to KO: PSG are asking fans from both sides to take part in a minute’s applause on the 16th minute as a show of support for goalkeeper Sergio Rico. The Spanish star is currently in intensive care in Spain, following a horseriding accident, with the PSG players also wearing ‘Rico 16’ shirts for the first half of tonight’s game.
In the 𝟏𝟔th minute of tonight’s game, we’re asking you to loudly show your support for Sergio Rico. 👏🗣
Let’s make sure that he hears us in Seville! ❤#ÁnimoSergioRico
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 3, 2023
#ÁnimoSergioRico ❤️💙#PSGCF63 https://t.co/pXd2jjK6ke pic.twitter.com/2jUKfs3LvK
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 3, 2023
1 hour 15 mins to KO: Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to welcome Messi to Saudi Arabia if he accepts a rumoured offer from Al Hilal.
Since 2009/10, there have only been two players to win the La Liga Pichichi Trophy that aren’t Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Karim Benzema.
It would be quite the reunion in Saudi Arabia. 🍿
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 2, 2023
1 hour 40 mins to KO: Thank you and Goodbye. Messi and PSG issue a joint statement as he prepares to line up at the Parc des Princes for the final time.
Après deux saisons passées dans la capitale, l’aventure entre Leo Messi et le Paris Saint-Germain prendra fin au terme de l’exercice 2022-23.
Le Club souhaite, avec une émotion certaine, beaucoup d’autres succès à Leo pour la suite de sa carrière. #MerciMessi 🔴🔵
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) June 3, 2023
2 hours to KO: Messi is not the only player heading for the PSG exit door tonight with the club confirming Sergio Ramos will also leave on a free transfer.
#MerciRamos 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/ncutpr9Tes
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 2, 2023
PSG vs Clermont lineups
Galtier brings Achraf Hakimi back into the team following a ban, with Hugo Ekitike starting in attack, alongside Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Ramos and Messi could be replaced late on, to allow the home fans a chance to show their appreciation to the pair — or to make their frustrations clear at how they failed to deliver the Champions League.
PSG projected starting lineup (3-4-3): Donnarumma (GK) — Danilo, Marquinhos, Ramos — Hakimi, Vitinha, Verratti, Zaire-Emery — Messi, Mbappe, Ekitike
Clermont have a fully fit squad to pick from ahead of the trip to Paris, and Pascal Gastien makes two changes, as Elbasan Rashani and Muhammed Cham start.
Clermont projected starting lineup (3-4-3): Diaw (GK) — Seidu, Wieteska, Caufriez — Zeffane, Gonalons, Gastien, Borges — Rashani, Kyei, Cham
MORE: Barcelona, Inter Miami in Messi partnership? Explaining how it could work (or not)
PSG vs Clermont live stream, TV channel
TV channel | Streaming | |
---|---|---|
Australia | beIN Sports 3 | beIN Sports Connect, Kayo Sports |
Canada | beIN Sports | Fubo, beIN Sports Connect, Fanatiz |
Hong Kong | beIN Sports 1 | M Plus live, beIN Sports Connect |
India | Sports18 | — |
Malaysia | beIN Sports | beIN Sports Connect, sooka |
New Zealand | Sky Sport 7 beIN Sports | beIN Sports Connect |
Singapore | beIN Sports | beIN Sports Connect, StarHub TV+ |
UK | BT Sport 6 | BT Sport App |
USA | beIN Sports | beIN Sports Connect, beIN Sports en Espanol |
UK: The match will broadcast on BT Sport 6 and can be streamed on BT Sport platforms.
USA: This fixture can be will be shown on beIN Sports and streamed on beIN Sports Connect (English) and beIN Sports en Espanyol (Spanish).
Canada: Viewers from Canada can watch this game on Fubo, beIN Sports, and Fanatiz.
Australia: The match will be televised on beIN Sports 3.