Lionel Messi's farewell match for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ended in disappointment as they lost 3-2 to Clermont Foot despite taking a double lead in the first half. Messi was in PSG's starting lineup at the Parc des Princes, but he didn't receive a good reception by the home fans. The 35-year-old was booed before the game and got even louder when he missed an easy chance in the 54th minute.
PSG took a two-goal lead within 21 minutes of the game. Sergio Ramos opened the scoring in the 16th minute before Kylian Mbappe scored the second five minutes later. However, a spirited fightback from Clermont saw them upset the French club by one goal. Goals from Johan Gastien and Mehdi Zeffane leveled the scoreline for the visitors before the break, with Grejohn Kyei netting the winner in the 63rd minute.
Messi had a wonderful chance to put his team ahead in the second half if he hadn't missed a sitter off a ball from Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe charged forward and squared the ball to his 2022 World Cup rival, who had an easy chance to clear Clermont goalkeeper Mory Diaw.
The Argentina skipper was unable to find the target as he skied the ball in an attempt to shake the net. The PSG fans were not pleased with Messi's careless shot, and they expressed their displeasure by booing him.
Watch the video here:
PSG fans were booing after Messi missed this chance
— Shegzeblog (@shegzedon) June 3, 2023
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It was Messi's last appearance for PSG as he had previously confirmed he would leave the French club this summer following the end of his contract. During his two years at PSG, the former Barcelona player played 75 games while contributing 35 assists and 32 goals to the team. He was also a member of the squad that won two Ligue 1 titles and a Trophée des Champions triumph.
Sergio Ramos joins Messi to leave PSG this summer
It was also defender Sergio Ramos' last game in Paris. “Tomorrow is a special day, tomorrow I will say goodbye to another stage of my life, goodbye to @PSG_inside,” Ramos wrote on social media ahead of PSG's match against Clermont.
The veteran centre-back joined PSG in the summer of 2021 after 16 years at Real Madrid, where he won five La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. The 37-year-old defender made 57 appearances and won Ligue 1 titles in both of his seasons at the French Club.
Here's how fans reacted to Lionel Messi being booed by PSG fans:
PSG fans very terrible, maybe one of the reason my GOAT wants to leave
— @chrisneithon (@chrisneith63841) June 3, 2023
My goat is trying to make this finished club lose
— Jonathan (@jona606) June 3, 2023
PSG'S fan shows the world how bad they are.. They do not know sports.. They only want win.. Can't accept mistake..
— FRed™ (@fitriredzuan93) June 4, 2023
They don’t deserve Messi.
— Enrico Incarnati (@ricoincarnati) June 3, 2023
Booing one of the best players in the world, really classy. Lol
— Enrico Incarnati (@ricoincarnati) June 3, 2023
PSG fans are terrible icl
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) June 3, 2023
Disappointed to see some PSG fans failing to appreciate the greatness of the GOAT 🐐. Remember, once he departs, you'll realize the void he leaves behind. PSG will be back to being in 'farmer's league' once Messi leaves⚽️🌟 #RespectTheGOAT
— Dr. Roshan Bista (@RoshanBista85) June 4, 2023
He deserved it. He is holding them back, they would have done better in the champions league without him.
— 𝐍𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐌. 👑 (@Nawas_masood) June 3, 2023
Glad it his last game 🤤
— Gaza man 🦍 (@ogbu_chidubem) June 3, 2023
he’s leaving anyways why would he care 😭
— trace (@tracedontmiss) June 3, 2023
Messi is not used to all these pressures. He should go back to Barcelona where he is worshipped. We made peace with him playing only at Barcelona a long time ago so I was bewildered when he left.
— 𝙹𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝙻𝚢𝚗𝚌𝚑 𝙼𝚘𝚗𝚋𝚘 𝚂𝚛. (@GovernorOFF) June 3, 2023