Lionel Messi has paid tribute to ‘beautiful person’ Neymar as their time playing together at Paris Saint-Germain came to an end.
The Argentine played the final match 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 defeat to Clermont.
Messi’s departure had been confirmed ahead of the match and the World Cup winner has been linked with a return to Barcelona, or a lucrative move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Though Messi, 35, has helped PSG win back-to-back Ligue 1 titles they have been unable to achieve their holy grail of lifting the Champions League.
Brazilian star Neymar had taken to Instagram to wish Messi the best, while admitting not everything had matched expectations in Paris.
Lionel Messi paid tribute to ‘beautiful person’ Neymar as he played his last match for PSG
Neymar had posted his own tribute to his friend Messi as the Argentine prepares to leave
Neymar admitted ‘not everything had gone to plan’ during Messi’s two seasons in Paris
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.’
‘I wish you all the best. Apart from being a crack, you’re a beautiful person and that’s what is important in the end. I love you so much, Neymar.’
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.
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.’
Messi pictured with his 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren on the pitch at the Parc des Princes before his final game
Lionel Messi was jeered by PSG supporters on his final appearance for the French champions
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
Sources close to Al-Hilal are adamant that the Argentinian will sign for the Saudi Arabian club on Tuesday.
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.
