“You helped me from day one” - Lionel Messi responds to PSG superstar’s emotional farewell message on Instagram
Lionel Messi has responded to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Marco Verratti's farewell message on Instagram.
Messi made his final bow as a Parisians player in the side's 3-2 defeat to Clermont Foot on Saturday (June 3). The Argentine icon is leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of this month.
Verratti has lauded the legendary forward on the eve of his departure from the Parc des Princes. He wished Messi luck as the Argentine embarks on a new adventure in his illustrious career. The Italian posted an image of the duo on Instagram with the caption:
"As a player, you are the best of all, but as a person, you are even better. Good luck to you and your family in your new experience. It was great to share these 2 years with you."
Messi responded to Verratti's message by thanking the Italian for his help during his two seasons with PSG:
"Thank you very much for everything in these two years. I didn't know you personally, and you helped me from day one. It was a pleasure to have shared the field with you and much more everything lived abroad, Marco! Big hug."
The Argentine leaves the Parisians as a two-time Ligue 1 champion. He scored 32 goals and provided 35 assists in 75 games across competitions. It looks like a three-horse race for Messi involving Barcelona, Al Hilal and Inter Miami this summer.
Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal are reportedly prepared to offer the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner €400 million per year. They also want to announce his arrival on Tuesday (June 6), meaning Messi will likely have made his decision by then.
Verratti may have bid farewell to the legendary attacker, but he could soon be reunited with him. Reports claim that Al-Za'eem are interested in the midfielder and are willing to offer him €60 million per year to lure him to the King Fahd International Stadium.
Lionel Messi jeered by fans during final PSG appearance
Lionel Messi's final outing as a PSG player was a disappointing one, as the Ligue 1 champions were beaten 3-2 by Clermont Foot at home. The Argentine icon missed a golden opportunity during the game and failed to get on the scoresheet.
The Barcelona legend was also booed by a section of fans at the Parc des Princes. It comes as no surprise, though, as it has been the norm since it was confirmed that he would leave the club.
However, Messi's decision to make an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia in early May truly put a rift between himself and Parisians fans. He apologized for the saga but has received a frosty reception from fans.