PSG, Ligue 1 giants, have lost over 600,000 followers on Instagram in the wake of Lionel Messi’s exit from the French Capital.
Lionel Messi spent two seasons at the Parc des Princes, where he went on to win two successive French titles.
His final season was marred with supporters unrest, with the World Cup winner being booed as he went up to claim his winner’s medal on Saturday evening.
PSG are already feeling the weight of the attackers loss after they confirmed his departure in the lead up to Saturday’s defeat to Clermont.
The evidence is already showing on their Instagram account, with the club’s following on the social media platform dropping by over 600,000 followers.
The reduction in followers came after the loss against Clermont with PSG previously having over 70 Million followers.
As at the time of writing, PSG are currently on 68.7 million followers on their Instagram handle.
This reduction in followers was noticed during Saturday evening’s game, during which Messi was given a hostile farewell from the home crowd.
Galtier said: “Concerning Leo, I find that the whistles were very harsh. Like the season, there have been good periods, and less good periods. Maybe in a few weeks, I will find the origin of Leo’s treatment, because he has always been well-behaved.”
“He is the greatest player in the history of football. He has impressive statistics, in a season where he played a lot. Leo had a great season. I dare to hope that people will analyze it coldly, with a little more lucidity.”
“I reserve my analyses for my management, my president–any experience is enriching. Coaching is a tough job. When I arrived at PSG, someone told me: ‘The higher you are, the stronger the blows.”
“The second part of the season was very difficult. Sometimes, lightning fell on me, but I finish this season with a lot of pride. After that season, I am now another man and another coach.”
Neymar, gave his teammate Messi a nice farewell on Instagram, saying: “Brother… it didn’t turn out as we thought but we tried everything. It was a pleasure to share 2 more years with you. Good luck in your new stage and be happy. I love you.”
Lionel Messi wrote: “Thanks Ney! Beyond all that remains, that we enjoyed playing together and sharing the day to day. I wish you all the best. You’re a beautiful person and that’s all that matters at the end. I love you so much.”
Messi has been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia and the USA as well as a return to Barcelona after playing his final match in Paris.
Where Will Messi Go To After PSG?
There are three possible club Lionel Messi might sign for in the coming weeks but where he will ultimately land is still uncertain.
However, Futballnews has identified three clubs he could be joining in the summer after departing PSG and they are as follows;
Al Hilal
Messi was previously paid a reported £25m to become a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia last year and has regularly posted pictures of himself and his family in the country on social media, most recently on 15 May.
Barcelona
Barcelona could be another of Lionel Messi’s destination after leaving PSG and it would be a romantic option, in contrast to the pragmatic choice of Al-Hilal.
Messi left Barcelona in 2021 due to the club’s chronic financial mismanagement under Josep Maria Bartomeu’s presidency and La Liga’s stringent tightening of salary rules, rather than of his own accord and a return would surely be appealing.
Inter Miami
However, any possible link-up between Messi and Phil Neville in the magic city has been dashed after the former Manchester United defender was given the boot by his former teammate and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham last week.