Neymar has wished Lionel Messi well as the Argentine prepares to leave Paris Saint-Germain after two seasons – though admitted things ‘didn’t turn out as we thought’ at the French club.
Messi was jeered by PSG supporters during his final match for the club on Sunday night as Clermont staged an improbable comeback to win 3-2 at the Parc des Princes.
PSG had confirmed the parting of the ways with the World Cup winner ahead of kick-off after coach Christophe Galtier had let the cat out of the bag in his press conference.
Messi has been linked with a return to Barcelona, where he played alongside Neymar for four seasons between 2013 and 2017, or a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
Neymar took to Instagram to pay tribute to his friend by posting two pictures of them together in the PSG dressing room.
Neymar paid tribute to his friend Lionel Messi as the Argentine prepares to leave PSG
Neymar admitted ‘not everything had gone to plan’ during Messi’s two seasons in Paris
Lionel Messi was jeered by PSG supporters on his final appearance for the French champions
He wrote: ‘Brother… it didn’t turn out as we thought but we tried everything. It was a pleasure to share two more years with you.
‘Good luck in your new stage and be happy. I love you.’
Although Messi helped PSG win back-to-back Ligue 1 titles following his arrival from Barcelona in 2021 – scoring 32 goals for the club and assisting with 35 more in 75 games – they were unable to claim Champions League glory.
Although Messi, 35, has been linked with a sensational return to Barcelona, the club would likely be unable to afford his salary and stay within stringent LaLiga financial limits.
Al-Hilal have, meanwhile, offered Messi £345million per season to follow 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 linked 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 best 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 Argentinian will sign for the Saudi Arabian club on Tuesday.
Despite all their firepower, including (left to right) Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, PSG failed to win the Champions League
Clermont earned a 3-2 win over the hosts at the Parc des Princes on the final day of the season
Messi blazed over a golden chance for PSG in the second half to prompt more boos from fans
Following the dismal 3-2 defeat to Clermont, the side with the smallest budget in Ligue 1, PSG players were presented to supporters and there were boos for Messi, as well as for Neymar and coach Christophe Galtier.
Messi bows out of 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 blazed over a clear chance to convert from Kylian Mbappe’s pass in the second half with the score at 2-2 there were more jeers.
