After Lionel Messi’s Departure and Kylian Mbappe’s Ban, PSG Struggle to Draw 20 Fans as the Parisiens Lament the Loss of Star Players

Paris Saint Germain thought they managed to have the deal of the century when they bolstered their attack of Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe with the free transfer signing of Lionel Messi. Many expected the Parisians to finally win the coveted Champions League for the first time in their history. But as fate would have it, Paris continued its bad form in the European tournament.

To add salt to the wound, Messi left earlier this window to join Inter Miami. Kylian Mbappe, meanwhile, isn’t extending his contract amidst rumors of joining Real Madrid for a free transfer next season. As a result, PSG have banned him from their pre-season. Both these acts have proven to be costly for the French side.

PSG witness low fan turnout in Tokyo amidst the absence of Lionel Messi & Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi are undeniably among the most popular soccer stars right now. Fans clamor to catch a glimpse of the duo in all parts of the world. In their absence, PSG, who are currently in Tokyo for their pre-season tour, barely saw any fans come outside their hotel.

Under normal circumstances, there is always a huge crowd outside the hotel where players stay on tour. For foreign fans, this is among the very few chances to get an autograph or a photograph with their favorite player. PSG players staying at the Ritz Carlton hotel in Tokyo, unfortunately, didn’t witness this excitement from fans.

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During PSG’s visit to Tokyo last year, the team  saw more than 150 people waiting every day outside the hotel to catch a glimpse of Messi and Mbappe. But today in their absence, barely 20 people showed up to greet the team. A stark contrast from last year.

PSG face Inter Milan in the final leg of their Japan tour

PSG continued their ritual from last year as they came to Japan for their pre-season tour last week. The Parisians kicked off their tour against Al Nassr with a surprise 0-0 draw. Things then went from bad to worse for the Neymar Jr led side as they suffered a shock 3-2 defeat against Cerezo Osaka.

Today, they take on last year’s Champions League finalists Inter Milan in what is gonna be their first test of mettle against a top European side in the pre-season. But based on the last 2 matches, PSG fans might be concerned against Inter, who have looked solid so far in the pre-season. Moreover, one can’t overlook the Kylian Mbappe factor as well.

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The Parisians end their Japan tour with South Korean side Jeonbuk on the 3rd of August. They start their Ligue 1 title defense against Lorient on the 13th of August.