Lionel Messi was booed by PSG fans ahead of the Ligue 1 champions' clash with Rennes before the Kim Kardashian 'curse' struck again. The influencer was present at the Emirates as Arsenal were knocked out the Europa League by Sporting Lisbon on Thursday and she witnessed another upset as the Parisians were beaten 2-0 at home.
Messi's future is currently the subject of intense speculation with his contract at PSG expiring at the end of the season. He has been linked with a host of clubs including Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, MLS team Inter Miami and an emotional return to Barcelona.
The 35-year-old's situation at PSG took a further turn this week with some reports suggesting that Messi had left training early on Tuesday after falling out with manager Christophe Galtier. The stories have been vehemently denied by the Argentine's father and agent, Jorge, but it appears they have still had an effect on PSG supporters.
Loud boos could be heard at the Parc des Princes when his name was read out ahead of the encounter with Rennes. It was a marked change to the reception that greeted Kylian Mbappe with the French talisman receiving a large round of cheers and applause.
PSG were understandably big favourites to emerge victorious against Rennes carrying a nine-point lead at the top of Ligue 1. However, even the presence of Messi and Mbappe was not enough to alter the outcome of the match as the Parisians slumped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat courtesy of goals from Karl Toko Ekambi and Arnaud Kalimuendo.
The result gave more strength to the suggestion that American TV star Kardashian is cursed after she took in the game from the stands. She was also present at the Emirates as Arsenal were knocked out on Europe on Thursday with PSG's result the second time in a week that she has watched the underdogs go on to win.
Despite intense speculation over his future, Messi has been keen to stress that he is comfortable in the French capital and wants to go on to win more trophies before he moves on.
”It's true that I feel very well,” he told the PSG YouTube channel. “The first year, I needed a little time to adapt to Paris for different reasons, but I started this season really differently, with a lot of desire.
“I feel more comfortable with the club, with the city, with everything that Paris means and the truth is that I am really enjoying this season. I think my whole life has been like that. About dedication, work, effort and wanting more every day. I've arrived at a new club and I want to win the title with Paris.”