PSG on Saturday announced Lionel Messi’s departure from the club after two seasons.
PSG simply posted an eight-second video with the caption “#MerciMessi,” bidding farewell to the Argentine superstar.
#MerciMessi 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/TDqIepDo2F
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 3, 2023
They later posted another video, this time more than a minute, thanking Messi for his services.
Paris Saint-Germain would like to warmly thank the seven-time Ballon d'Or, winner of a Trophée des Champions and two French championship titles wearing the Red & Blue colors.#MerciMessi 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/VrHxb5lCHM
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 3, 2023
During his tenure at PSG, Messi played a significant role in helping the team secure two French titles.
However, his time in Paris may be considered underwhelming by his exceptionally high standards. Some critics believed that he didn’t reach the extraordinary levels he had established throughout his career at Barcelona.
The Argentine star fell out with management as well as the fans, who this season on several occasions booed and whistled him during games.
“Thank you to the club, the city of Paris and it’s people for these two years. I wish them the best for the future,” Messi said.
PSG manager Christophe Galtier had earlier in the week confirmed Messi would play his last game against Clermont Foot on Saturday.
The French said “I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.”
Messi has scored 21 goals and provided 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season.
“He has been an integral part of the team this season, always available. I believe that the criticisms and comments made about him are unjustified,” Galtier asserted.
Messi joined PSG as a free agent in 2021, following his departure from Barcelona due to the Spanish club’s economic difficulties.