It's safe to say that Lionel Messi's spell at PSG did not end up as the Argentinean maestro might have hoped.
Messi left Barcelona in the summer of 2021 - a move that he said was against his wishes - and moved to the Parisians to link up with former Barca teammate Neymar, as well as Kylian Mbappé, in a star-studded XI.
Despite the wealth of talent in the PSG team, they underperformed on the European stage, being knocked out at the last 16 of the Champions League in both seasons Messi spent in Paris. Despite putting in excellent performances, Messi had a frosty relationship with the club and the French media, and his departure seemed inevitable.
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With his contract expiring this summer, there was little desire to continue with PSG, and so Messi has departed - though he surprised many (including his former club Barca) by leaving Europe to sign for Inter Miami.
Now that he has cut ties with PSG, Messi has spoken out about his time in the French capital, and had some choice words for sections of the club's fanbase.
Lionel Messi unhappy with treatment from PSG supporters
In an interview with beIN Sports which was shared by Sky Sports on Monday, Lionel Messi spoke about his rapport with the PSG fanbase - and said that a large swathe of their supporters had turned on him soon after his arrival.
🗣️ "I know that's the way they behave..."
Lionel Messi comments on his relationship with the PSG fans as he prepares to leave the club on a free transfer ⚽😬 pic.twitter.com/iRuoUpsrND— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 26, 2023
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Messi said that similar animosity had come to Kylian Mbappé and Neymar Jr in previous years - though he also said that he did not want to hold the actions of some of the supporters against the entire fanbase
Well, I think in the beginning it was something wonderful - same as the reception I had when I arrived.
But, then, some people started to treat me differently, a part of the Paris supporters. I think the vast majority still see me and treat me as they did at the beginning but there was a fracture with a significant group of the Paris fans - which obviously wasn't my intention, far from it.
Well, it happened just as it had before with Mbappé and also wioth Neymar. I know that's how they [the fans] behave.
I'll take with me the people who respected me, as I always respected everyone since the day I arrived there. And, really, that's all. It's just an anecdote.
It was not exactly a match made in heaven, and it seems it is a bitter end to the Lionel Messi-PSG marriage.
On top of Messi's departure, the club look likely to lose Kylian Mbappé in the coming weeks, with the Frenchman reiterating his refusal to sign a new contract ahead of his current deal's expiry next summer.
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