PSG lose over 1.5m Instagram followers following Messi’s departure

Paris Saint-Germain have lost over 1.5 million followers on Instagram following the announcement that Lionel Messi (35) will be leaving the club this summer.

PSG announced the former Barcelona forward’s departure ahead of Saturday night’s 3-2 defeat against Clermont Foot. Regardless of the result, Les Parisiens secured back-to-back Ligue 1 titles. Messi was booed during the match, as well as during the title celebrations. His next destination is not yet known.

Whilst the sporting effect of the Argentinian world champion’s departure is unknown, his departure is already being felt on the club’s social media channels. The club has already lost more than 1.5 million followers on Instagram. On Saturday night, around the time of the announcement, PSG had 70.4 million followers; now they have 68.9 million. On Twitter, the club have also lost a few tens of thousands of followers, although the impact of Messi’s departure hasn’t been so severe as it has been on Instagram.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle