Lionel Messi ended his two-year contract at PSG by playing the 2-3 loss to Clermont. The club has since then lost 1.4 Million followers on Instagram.
Lionel Messi joined PSG back in 2021 after Barcelona failed to register the player due to the strict La Liga Financial Fair Play rules. The player’s arrival at the French club was one of the most awaited events in soccer. The French club saw a massive rise in followers after Messi joined the club.
Messi’s time at PSG has however come to an end after two years. Before the match on Saturday, it was announced that the World Cup winner would be leaving the club once his contract ends its summer.
Unsurprisingly, the French club saw a massive drop in followers after the announcement. PSG lost nearly 1.4 million followers on Instagram since the announcement.
PSG have lost 1.3 million followers in the last 2 days since announcing Messi’s departure.. pic.twitter.com/leC1JnkasZ
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) June 5, 2023
Messi’s two seasons at PSG were somewhat of a successful stint. The player won the Ligue 1 title in both seasons. Furthermore, the player also won Trophee des Champions in 2022. However, Lionel Messi failed to win the Champions League with PSG.
Lionel Messi bids an empty farewell to PSG
Messi has decided to part ways with PSG after the expiry of his 2-year contract with them. The player had an option for an extension, but according to the reports, he declined the offer.
This news however did not sit too well with the PSG fans. The fans were seen booing the player during the match as well as during the trophy presentation. Although, Lionel Messi did not look too phased with the booing.
Messi thanked the club and the fans for their support, however, fans couldn’t help but notice how hollow those words felt. He said, “I would like to thank the club, the city of Paris, and its people for these two years. I wish you all the best for the future.”
Lionel Messi booed coming out for PSG’s title celebrations… 😳 pic.twitter.com/5sphFVxBIr
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) June 4, 2023
It is not one of the most heartfelt goodbyes but given his surprising departure from his boyhood club Barcelona, the player was not very delighted to join the French club.
In an interview with ESPN, Messi praised his teammates and the club for their warm welcome to him. He revealed, “I am happy to have been able to represent PSG — I really enjoyed playing on this team and with such good players. I want to thank the club for a wonderful experience in Paris.”
It is still uncertain as to where the player will go next. He has been heavily linked with a return to Barcelona. However, as per reports both Al-Hilal and Inter Miami are insistent on signing the player on a free transfer.