Neymar expresses admiration for Lionel Messi on Instagram as the Argentine departs PSG.
Neymar has sent his best wishes to Lionel Messi as the Argentine gets ready to depart Paris Saint-Germain after spending two seasons there. However, Neymar acknowledged that things didn’t unfold as expected during their time together at the French club.
Messi received mixed reactions from PSG supporters during his final match for the club on Sunday night as Clermont staged an unexpected comeback, securing a 3-2 victory at the Parc des Princes.
Prior to kick-off, PSG officially confirmed their separation from the World Cup winner, following coach Christophe Galtier inadvertently revealing the news in his press conference.
Speculation has connected Messi with a potential return to Barcelona, where he previously played alongside Neymar for four seasons between 2013 and 2017, or a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
In a heartfelt gesture, Neymar took to Instagram to honor his friend by sharing two pictures of them together in the PSG dressing room.
Neymar expressed his admiration for his close friend Lionel Messi as the Argentine gets ready to depart PSG.
Neymar acknowledged that things didn’t go as planned during Lionel Messi’s two seasons in Paris.
Lionel Messi received disapproval from PSG supporters during his last appearance for the French champions.
In response, he wrote a heartfelt message saying, “Brother… things didn’t unfold as we anticipated, but we gave our best effort. It was a joy to spend two more years with you. Wishing you good luck in your new chapter and may you find happiness. I hold you dear.”
Despite Messi’s contributions to PSG’s consecutive Ligue 1 titles since joining from Barcelona in 2021, scoring 32 goals and assisting with 35 more in 75 games, they were unable to clinch the Champions League glory.
Although there have been speculations about Messi making a sensational return to Barcelona, it is unlikely due to the club’s financial constraints within LaLiga’s strict regulations.
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal has offered Messi £345 million per season, following Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps 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 emerging as one of his potential destinations.
“Clermont Foot will be Messi’s final game at PSG,” said Galtier. “I had the privilege of coaching the greatest player in the history of football. It will be Leo’s last match at the Parc des Princes.”
Sources close to Al-Hilal are adamant that the Argentine will sign for the Saudi Arabian club on Tuesday.
Despite the presence of their talented trio, Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar, PSG was unable to secure the Champions League victory.
On the final day of the season, Clermont secured a 3-2 victory over the hosts at the Parc des Princes.
Messi missed a golden opportunity for PSG in the second half, which led to some dissatisfaction from the fans.
After the disappointing 3-2 loss to Clermont, who have the smallest budget in Ligue 1, PSG players were introduced to the supporters, and there were mixed reactions towards Messi, Neymar, and coach Christophe Galtier.
Messi bids farewell to Paris after 22 months, departing amidst a less enthusiastic atmosphere compared to his initial arrival in the French capital.
His name was also met with whistles during the pre-match announcement. Furthermore, when he failed to convert a clear chance from Kylian Mbappe’s pass in the second half, with the score at 2-2, there were additional expressions of disappointment from the crowd.
