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The 2022 World Cup winner, Argentina captain Lionel Messi played his final match at the Parc des Princes in the Paris Saint-Germain colours on Saturday night against Clermont Foot in Ligue 1. After two seasons with the French champions, the 35-year-old Messi will depart from Paris and the news has taken an ugly toll on the social media following of PSG.
Messi joined PSG in 2021 from his boyhood club Barcelona and since then won two French leagues and the French Champions trophy at the French club. Messi scored 32 goals and made 35 assists across all competitions for PSG in 72 appearances at the club.
Watch: Lionel Messi, Neymar leave pitch during PSG's lap of honour to celebrate Ligue 1 victory
Messi has been subjected to constant criticism by the home fans after Argentina's world cup triumph against France in Qatar. Ahead of their 2-3 loss against Clermont, the PSG fans booed the record seven-time Ballon d'Or winner during the squad announcement. Following his last game at the Parc des Princes against Clermont Foot on Saturday, PSG lost around 600k followers from their Instagram handle.
Despite PSG offering a contract extension to Messi, the Argentine decided to part ways with the club amid growing interest from top clubs across the world. Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, who are the rivals of Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr, have offered a lucrative deal to sign the Argentine wizard, on the other hand, Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, which is owned by former Manchester United star David Beckham, have also shown their interest to sign Leo Messi.
Reportedly, Inter Miami are the prime contenders to sign Messi with the MLS club could transfer the Argentine on loan to his boyhood club Barcelona, who are currently facing financial complications.