PSG stars make Lionel Messi feelings very clear with actions moments after thrashing

Paris Saint-Germain are the current Champions League holders and among the favourites to win the Club World Cup in the coming weeks. But despite the French side being a contender for the world's best team and winning 4-0 in the last-16 in the United States, it was not Luis Enrique's team drawing all of the attention on the pitch.

PSG established their advantage through two goals from Joao Neves, a Tomas Aviles own goal and an Achraf Hakimi effort before half-time and were able to take their foot off the gas in their latest clash in the United States. But come the final whistle it was players from France's capital who appeared to express their appreciation.

Lionel Messi was unable to prevent his former team walking away with victory against his Inter Miami side but found PSG's stars all coming to greet him come the full-time whistle. Of course, the Argentina legend has a relationship with many having only departed the Parc des Princes two years ago.

But the combination of friendly relationships and outright admiration was evident in warm embraces and conversations at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atalanta, Georgia.

Messi recorded 32 goals and 35 assists in 75 appearances for PSG but was unable to inspire the Champions League glory the current crop of stars achieved. That did not prevent Messi's pedigree proving most obvious on the field for what he'd achieved throughout his career, as much of PSG's side ensured they shared a moment with the former Barcelona star.

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Leading Ballon d'Or contender Ousmane Dembele posted photographs of the shirts of Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba before adding a shot with Messi's full kit and boots accompanied by an emoji with stars in its eyes.

The France international then posted a picture of Messi and himself inside of the stadium and left people under no illusion of his respect for the diminutive legend. "Good to see you again @leomessi, the greatest of all time. I hope you continue to make history with the @intermiamicf like in this World Club," Dembele said.

And Dembele was not alone in paying tribute to Messi alongside posting an image. Gianluigi Donnarumma said: "Always a pleasure seeing old friends."

Lucas Hernandez posted an image of their meeting on the field with a simple message: "Legend." And Khvicha Kvaratskhelia posted an image of their post-match hand clasp and said: "Sharing the pitch with you was a true pleasure!"

And while not everyone directly posted a caption about Messi, few avoided sharing pictures of him. Lucas Beraldo for example shared an aerial photograph of the pair and said: "Onto the quarterfinals! Excellent game against a team of fantastic players. Allez, @psg!!"

PSG next face Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup, while Palmeiras take on Chelsea in the opposite side of the draw. Real Madrid face Juventus, Inter Milan play Fluminense, Manchester City battl against Al Hilal and Dortmund take on Monterrey in the remaining last-16 fixtures.

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