Fans believe that Lionel Messi may have taken a subtle jab at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in his good luck message to Marco Verratti.
On Wednesday, it was officially announced that Marco Verratti was departing PSG after spending 11 years with the club.
The Italian midfielder has completed a transfer to Qatari side Al Arabi, in a deal reported to be worth £38.6 million, setting a new record for the Qatar league.
Messi’s good luck message to Verratti has led some fans to speculate whether it contains an underlying message or subtle reference to his time at PSG.
However, it’s challenging to provide a definitive analysis without specific details about the message or its content.
As Verratti’s departure was confirmed, the Italian’s former PSG teammate Messi posted a message wishing him good luck.
The Inter Miami star wrote: “All the luck in your new stage @marco_verratti92!!! You already know I wish you the best always.”
However, fans have speculated that Messi aimed a dig at the Parc des Princes club within the post.
This is due to the fact that Messi decided to post a picture of him and Verratti in their respective international kits instead of a PSG kit.
One fan said: “A thousand photos in PSG, but Messi chooses one of the finalissima. Want to forget that stage.”
Another commented: “Bro don’t want to post in PSG kit.”
A third fan added: “He didn’t even use a pic with him on PSG. Finished club.”
Someone else wrote: “Hahaha Messi hates PSG he doesn’t even want to post a picture of him and Verratti in their shirts and had to get a final little dig in there.”
After leaving PSG, Verratti said: “I’ve been very proud to play for Paris Saint-Germain for over a decade, to rub shoulders with so many great players and to win 30 trophies.
“Paris, the club and its fans will always hold a very special place in my heart. I’ll forever be a Parisian.”
PSG president, Nasser Al Khelaifi added: “Marco will be forever linked to Paris Saint-Germain, playing such a big part in our great history. He will always be part of the club. We wish him all the very best with his new adventure.”