Amid rumours of a possible move to Barcelona, Al-Hilal or Inter Miami, PSG on Thursday confirmed that legendary forward Lionel Messi will leave the club this summer.
It's confirmed. Legendary forward Lionel Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this summer, ending the Argentine's 2-year stint with the Ligue 1 champions. Although whether the 36-year-old icon will move to Barcelona, Al-Hilal or Inter Miami is still unknown, the confirmation of his exit from Parc des Princes has sparked a massive outburst on social media. Especially, fans of his arch-rival and Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo have taken to Twitter to troll the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, with most stating that 'succeeding in another league is not for everyone'.
Ahead of PSG's clash against Clermont Foot, PSG boss Christophe Galiter told reporters, "Saturday will be Messi's last game at the Parc des Princes. Lauding Argentina's World Cup 2022 winning captain, the Frenchman added, "I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. It will be Leoโs last match at the Parc des Princes against Clermont."
๐ฌ Christophe Galtier sur le dernier match de Lionel Messi en Ligue 1 : ยซ Jโai eu le privilรจge de diriger le meilleur joueur de lโhistoire du football ยป pic.twitter.com/1DDd373Lbf
โ L'รQUIPE (@lequipe)In his two seasons in France, Messi has won two Ligue 1 championships and scored 32 goals in 74 appearances across all competitions.
Messi has been frequently linked with a move back to Barcelona or to MLS team Inter Miami, but rumours this week indicate he is poised to move to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal reportedly having offered a two-year deal worth a record-breaking 1.2 billion euros. If Messi accepts a move to Saudi Arabia, it will rekindle and age-old rivalry with Ronaldo - a clash that is expected to get football enthusiasts at the edge of their seats next season.
Here's a look at how Ronaldo fans reacted to PSG's confirmation of Messi's departure, with most awaiting the Argentine's arrival in the Saudi Pro League:
Succeeding in another league is not for everyone https://t.co/a005t0hPaK pic.twitter.com/LIxdSC0CF5
โ Sam (@gingerbonda)WE USED TO PRAY FOR TIMES LIKE THIS https://t.co/1pJl3HAqOE pic.twitter.com/di3lCaCNEY
โ Lightning Mcqueen (@cinterhati)Being Called Goat in every league isn't for everyone https://t.co/OFgIxuLvuX pic.twitter.com/hfGm6twUWx
โ Be like Stylish๐ฌ (@Jxt_stylish)Ronaldo vs Messi - First 2 Seasons at Juve/Paris :
Goals: 65 - 32
Assists: 16 - 34
League Goals: 52 - 22
UCL Knockout Goals: 7 - 0
League POTY: 2 - 0
Teamโs Topscorer: 2 - 0
Conquering different leagues isnโt for everyone ๐ https://t.co/K8ozCLfXdF pic.twitter.com/0oEvscJ4ld
Won't have to watch that absolutely ๐ฉ club anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/oizQI8T4DS pic.twitter.com/N2e2kmqymh
โ Honest Vardrid Fan ๐ (@BanterlonaFan1)"...best player in the history of football"
Blud thinks he coached Ronaldo ๐๐๐ https://t.co/bkMGa9dmVL pic.twitter.com/zPs5eQvBIl
Couldn't even last two seasons outside his comfort zone, adapting to different leagues isn't for everyone. pic.twitter.com/xHRI962LqH https://t.co/WK8oluFhBA
โ ~ (@mercyl4s)Messi all time PSG goals: 32
Cristiano Ronaldo goals for Juventus in his first season: 34
Adapting in different leagues isn't for everyone. pic.twitter.com/72MMid4A3e
Cristiano Ronaldo scored more goals in one season for Juventus (twice) than Messi scored in 2 seasons for PSG.
The biggest flop of all time. pic.twitter.com/DzS9QkEEPl
โ๏ธ
Messi leaves PSG after 2 seasons:
0 Best player.
0 Topscorer Award.
Meanwhile Ronaldo:
Best player and Topscorer award in England, Spain & Italy (Only player in history to do so).
Itโs time to Officially announce Cristiano Ronaldo as the Greatest player of all time. ๐ pic.twitter.com/0430sfL2Er
Champions League stats
โข Juventus Ronaldo:
7 knockout Goals in 2 years
โข PSG Messi:
0 knockout goals in 2 years https://t.co/JxNZsKWecA pic.twitter.com/a8fZdkqrVF
Cristiano Ronaldo scored more goals in one season for Juventus (twice) than Messi scored in 2 seasons for PSG.
The biggest flop of all time. pic.twitter.com/fWHPSL35ZL