Lionel Messi finishes season as Ligue 1's top assister

PSG forward and Argentina world champion Lionel Messi couldn't get any more assists added to his season tally of 16 dimes but he didn't need them on his way to claim the title of Ligue 1's top assist-provider for the 2022/23 season after PSG's 2-3 loss against Clermont on MD38.

Following his performance in the match against Clermont on MD38, Messi was honored with the award in recognition of his achievement, having fallen just two assists short of fellow Argentine Angel Di Maria's season-record 18 assists provided a few years ago when playing at PSG.

Throughout the season, the Argentine maestro showcased his exceptional playmaking abilities, creating 16 goal-scoring opportunities in 32 games. This remarkable feat goes along with that of his teammate Kylian Mbappe, who got crowned top-goalscorer of the Ligue 1 season after bagging 29 goals in 34 games.

In securing the top spot, Messi surpasses another teammate, Neymar Jr., as well as Jonathan Clauss (Olympique Marseille) with 11 assists each. Messi's brilliance and vision on the field have once again proven his impact as a playmaker in Ligue 1.

Lionel Messi and PSG to part ways next July

With only minutes between the official announcement and the final game of the season, PSG confirmed the departure from Paris of Argentine world champion and best-player-ever Lionel Messi, thanking him for his contributions in a note published on the club's website.

Messi's journey with Paris Saint-Germain can be now considered finished, with its legal (contract ending) expiration day set for June 30 but his real one arriving earlier, on Saturday, June 3 for the final Ligue 1 match of the season at the Parc des Princes against Clermont in a 2-3 horrible defeat.

PSG expressed their utmost gratitude to the legendary seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, who not only secured a Trophee des Champions but also clinched two Ligue 1 titles during his time with Paris Saint-Germain.

Over the course of 74 games through two seasons in the French capital, Messi scored 32 goals(the first one against a Pep Guardiola-led Manchester City) while providing his teammates with 35 assists. Messi just completed his second year in the capital finishing as the top-assister of the Ligue 1 with 16 dimes.

During MD37 of Ligue 1 against Strasbourg, Messi etched his name even deeper into the annals of history by scoring his 496th goal in Europe's top five leagues, setting yet another remarkable record and overtaking long-time nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo in that special leaderboard.