‘Leave Messi alone, thief!’ Al-Khelaifi insulted by Barcelona fans

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:44 CDT
• 1 min read

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was on the receiving end of a barrage of insults from Barcelona fans over the proposed signing of Lionel Messi.

Messi looks increasingly likely to leave this summer when his contract expires, following his very public falling-out with the Blaugrana.

Paris Saint-Germain are the hot favourites – followed by Manchester City – to sign the Argentine ace and have made no secret of their intention to bring him to the French capital.

And this public pursuit has angered Barca fans, who gave Al-Khelaifi a foul-mouthed welcome when he arrived in Barcelona for PSG’s Champions League last 16 clash.

A video captured by Gol TV’s ‘El Golazo’ programme shows one supporter shout outside of PSG’s team hotel: “Leave Messialone, thief!”.

Another fan called Al-Khelaifi a “son of a b****”, while a third supporter roared: “Give me one million euros.”

Barcelona host PSG in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday evening.

The two teams have played a number of times in the competition over recent years, including Barcelona’s legendary remontada in 2017.

That year, Barca won 6-1 in the second leg of their last-16 tie after losing the first leg 4-0 in Paris.