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PSG player ratings vs Clermont Foot: Lionel Messi's miserable final appearance sums up his underwhelming Ligue 1 career

Thomas Hindle
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Lionel Messi PSG 2022-23
The Argentine couldn't inspire the Ligue 1 champions on the final day of the campaign as they threw away a two-goal lead to slide to another defeat

Lionel Messi missed a golden chance and Paris Saint-Germain collapsed at home yet again, seeing a 2-0 lead turn in to a 3-2 defeat against mid-table Clermont to conclude the seven-time Ballon d'or winner's spell with the club in an underwhelming fashion.

After Clermont had an early goal ruled out by VAR inside five minutes after a defensive lapse, the Parisians settled into the game. Messi came close twice within 15 minutes, before Sergio Ramos bagged a goal in his final PSG game with a textbook header off a corner routine. Kylian Mbappe made it two from the penalty spot shortly after, putting the champions firmly in control.

Clermont got back in it, though, Johan Gastien latching onto a poor Marco Verratti back pass to finish past Gianluigi Donnarumma. The goalkeeper was at fault for the visitors' second, though, spilling a cross onto the right foot of Mehdi Zeffane, who equalised on the brink of half-time. And they completed the comeback after an hour, Grejohn Kyei finishing a well-worked break. PSG never found a leveller.

The result was rendered meaningless in the scope of the season. PSG are already Ligue 1 champions and will finish the campaign with the one trophy they are supposed to win. However, results elsewhere meant the Parisians secured their 11th title by just one point.

For Messi, this perhaps matters little — his mind is elsewhere. Still, the GOAT will leave Paris with very few happy memories to speak of.

GOAL rates PSG's players from Parc des Princes...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Gianluigi Donnarumma (3/10):

    Slow off his line for Clermont's first goal, spilled the ball for their second.

    Danilo Pereira (6/10):

    Can't really be faulted for any of the goals, but will likely hope that PSG bring in another centre-back and move him to a more comfortable midfield position.

    Sergio Ramos (6/10):

    Scored in his final PSG game with a classic header off a set-piece.

    E.C. Bitshiabu (5/10):

    Saved by VAR after falling asleep on a disallowed Clermont goal. Nowhere to hide when he failed to mark the runner on the third. Loads to learn.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Warren Zaire-Emery (6/10):

    His legs are useful on the right, but it feels like a waste to not have him in a central position

    Marco Verratti (4/10):

    An absolute howler handed Clermont their first goal. Looked off the pace all night. One of the few that will still be here next year, and looks like he needs a rest.

    Vitinha (5/10):

    Anonymous again. Will be interesting to see what PSG do with him this summer.

    Achraf Hakimi (5/10):

    Played on the left, cutting onto his right foot a lot. Won PSG's penalty, but lost track of Zeffane on Clermont's second.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Lionel Messi (4/10):

    Came close twice within the first 15 minutes. Blasted one over while clean through on goal. Saw a last-minute free-kick saved. Not his night. It hasn't been for two years. Not much sadness at full-time.

    Hugo Ekitike (4/10):

    Barely touched the ball, subbed after less than an hour. Summed up his PSG tenure so far.

    Kylian Mbappe (6/10):

    Scored from the spot to secure his fifth straight Ligue 1 Golden Boot. Was otherwise ineffective.

  5. Subs & Manager

    Carlos Soler (5/10):

    Misused in a box-to-box role.

    Renato Sanches (5/10):

    Offered some bite, but not much quality, to the midfield.

    Alexandre Letellier (N/A):

    A farewell 10 minutes for PSG's third-choice goalie.

    Marquinhos (N/A):

    A brief cameo.

    Ismael Gharbi (N/A):

    No time to make an impact.

    Christophe Galtier (3/10):

    It was all there in what could be his last game as PSG manager. The Parisians scored twice, created loads of chances, and looked excellent at times. But they also conceded three very poor goals, and looked vulnerable on the break. He will be better off somewhere else next year.