Argentine superstar Lionel Messi ended his two-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday (3) amid the displeasure of some of the fans and a 3-2 defeat to Clermont.
The defeat of “Les Parisiens” (the Parisians) has once again shown the fragile temperament of the French soccer champion.
The last match of the season seemed to be a straightforward affair thanks to goals from Spaniard Sergio Ramos (16) and Kylian Mbappé (21) from the penalty spot.
Still, it turned into an embarrassing setback when Johan Gastien (24), Mehdi Zeffane (46), and Grejohn Kyei (63) put the visitors ahead.
The last ball from “La Pulga” (the flea) was a free kick near the penalty area that could have made it 3-3, but goalkeeper Mory Diaw made a save to keep it out of the top left corner.
Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, sitting in the box at the Parc des Princes with their children, regretted the action, which would have marked a fitting end to the series for the Qatar 2022 World Cup captain.
Messi’s departure from the pitch came amid greetings to teammates and rivals and absolute indifference from the stands, which once again whistled softly earlier in the day when the stadium voice announced the lineups.
Shortly before the game, the club officially confirmed Messi’s departure when his contract expires on June 30.
“I want to thank Leo Messi for his two seasons in Paris.”
“It’s a pleasure to see a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner in our team and at the Parc des Princes, who has won two Ligue 1 titles and inspired our young players.”
“His contribution to PSG and Ligue 1 cannot be underestimated. We wish Leo and his family all the best for the future,” said club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi of Qatar.
Messi has been booed and jeered at most games at the Parc des Princes this year, but the situation worsened in early May when he missed a training session because of a trip to Saudi Arabia on business.
The club’s board, which had received news that the Argentine would not renew his contract, suspended him for two weeks, and a group of fans gathered at PSG’s offices and near his home to berate him.
Messi has not yet decided where he will play next season.
Barcelona, his soccer home, seems to be complicated regarding financial constraints (Fairplay LaLiga).
Next up for the star is a return to the Argentine national team for friendlies against Australia and Indonesia on the next FIFA Matchday.
News France, English news France, PSG, Leonel Messi