Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar (31) left a parting message to Lionel Messi (35) on Instagram, after it was announced that the Argentinian forward would leave Les Parisiens at the end of the season. 

Messi’s departure was finally confirmed on Saturday, prior to his final match for PSG against Clermont Foot. The official announcement from the club ended months of speculation surrounding La Pulga’s future. Following an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia, it had been expected that Messi would leave the club, and that has now come to pass.

Whilst Messi’s next destination is not yet known, his father, Jorge Messi, met with Barcelona President Joan Laporta on Monday. It is thought that a deal may be financially difficult for the Catalan club due to financial fair-play restrictions. 

 Upon his departure, Neymar, who has played with Messi at PSG, as well as at Barcelona, sent a message to his now-former teammate on Instagram. “Brother…it didn’t turn out as we thought, but we tried our best. It was a pleasure to share two more years with you. Best of luck in your next step and be happy. I love you,” said the Brazilian international. 

Messi has already departed PSG, and there is a chance that Neymar may follow him. The club are reportedly keen to offload him, whilst the player himself would be open to a move, especially to Manchester United. That transfer, however, would seem to hinge on Qatar’s successful takeover of the Old Trafford club.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle