Fans think Lionel Messi made a statement to PSG fans after winning Ligue One title

Fans think Lionel Messi made a statement to Paris Saint-Germain fans despite scoring the goal that sealed the Ligue One title for them.

On Saturday night Messi opened the scoring away at Strasbourg, finishing superbly after a lovely pass inside from Kylian Mbappe.

It was Messi's 496th goal in the top five European leagues and saw him overtake long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo as a result.

Strasbourg equalised courtesy of former PSG striker Kevin Gameiro but the point guaranteed the title for Christophe Galtier's men with a game to spare.

The Parisians celebrated the consecutive title triumph with their travelling fans. But while many were seeing applauding the PSG supporters, a clip showed Messi not joining in and instead scratching his head before putting his hands on his head.

Messi's rapport with the PSG fans has been seriously affected despite him scoring title-clinching goals in both of his seasons at the Parc des Princes.

Utterly worshipped at Barcelona, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has been jeered and whistled by some sections of the PSG fanbase.

It happened recently upon his return to the side against Ajaccio following a suspension for taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, despite a video apology.

Image: Alamy

PSG will lift the Ligue One trophy after the game against Clermont Foot on Saturday and it will be the 43rd career trophy for Messi, which makes him the most decorated player in football history alongside former teammate Dani Alves.

But he is not expected to stay put at PSG as his contract expires on June 30 and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims he will be leaving the French capital in the next few weeks.

He's been continually linked with a return to Barcelona, who are still working out how they can cover the extortionate cost of the deal within the financial remits set by La Liga.

Image: Alamy

But there is also reported interest from Saudi Arabia side Al Hilal, who are keen on Messi joining Ronaldo in the Middle East.

Topics: Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain, Ligue 1

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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