Lionel Messi pays tribute to ‘beautiful person’ Neymar after their two years together at PSG has come to an end with the Argentina star booed by fans during his final appearance
Lionel Messi paid tribute to ‘beautiful person’ Neymar as their time playing together at Paris Saint-Germain came to an end.
The Argentine played the final game of his two-year stint in Paris on Saturday night but was jeered by some fans at the Parc des Princes in a shock 3-2 loss to Clermont.
Messi’s departure was confirmed ahead of the game and the World Cup winner has been linked with a return to Barcelona or a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.
Although Messi, 35, has helped PSG win back-to-back Ligue 1 titles, they have failed to achieve their holy grail of lifting the Champions League.
Brazilian star Neymar had taken to Instagram to wish Messi well, while admitting not everything was up to expectations in Paris.
Lionel Messi paid tribute to ‘beautiful person’ Neymar as he played his last game for PSG
Neymar had posted his own tribute to his friend Messi as the Argentine prepares to leave
Neymar admitted that “not everything had gone according to plan” during Messi’s two seasons in Paris
He wrote, “Brother… it didn’t turn out the way we thought it would, but we tried everything. It was a pleasure to spend two more years with you.
“Good luck in your new phase and be happy. I love you.’
In response to his friend, Messi wrote on his Instagram: ‘Thank you Ney! In addition to everything else, we could enjoy playing together and sharing our days.
‘I wish you the best. Aside from being a crack, you’re a beautiful person and that’s the most important thing in the end. I love you so much, Neymar.’
PSG had confirmed the World Cup winner’s farewell ahead of kick-off after coach Christophe Galtier let the cat out of the bag during his press conference.
Al-Hilal, meanwhile, has offered Messi £345 million per season to succeed Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League.
PSG manager Galtier confirmed in a press conference on Thursday afternoon that the World Cup winner would leave the club this summer, with Saudi Arabia one of his possible destinations.
“Clermont Foot will be Messi’s last game at PSG,” said Galtier. “I had the privilege of coaching the best player in football history. It will be Leo’s last game in the Parc des Princes.’
Lionel Messi was jeered by PSG supporters during his last appearance for the French champions
Despite all their firepower, including (left to right) Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar, PSG failed to win the Champions League
Clermont secured a 3–2 victory over the hosts at the Parc des Princes on the final day of the season
Sources close to Al-Hilal are firmly convinced that the Argentine will sign for the Saudi Arabian club on Tuesday.
After the dismal 3-2 defeat against Clermont, the team with the smallest budget in Ligue 1, the players of PSG were presented to the supporters and there was boos for Messi, but also for Neymar and coach Christophe Galtier.
Messi is leaving Paris 22 months after being greeted by an expectant hysteria in the French capital.
His name was also whistled when announced before kick-off. And when he fired a clear chance of converting from Kylian Mbappe’s pass in the second half to make it 2-2, there were more cheers.