From God to Adversary: What Happened to Messi in Paris
A Legendary Player’s Struggles at PSG
Listartl Messi, regarded by many as the greatest soccer player in history, faced a significant setback during his time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Expected to lead the Parisian club to a Champions League title alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, Messi’s tenure is widely viewed as a failure, highlighted by two early eliminations from the tournament.
Insights from a Close Source
Recent statements from a source close to Messi reveal insights into his challenging experience in Paris. Speaking in an interview in France, the source noted, “He didn’t have a single good moment in Paris. He felt trapped in the rivalry between Neymar and Mbappé and believed the club favored the Frenchman, lacking respect for his World Cup victory.” The source further highlighted the contrast between Messi’s treatment at Barcelona, where he was revered, to his experiences in the French capital, saying, “In Barcelona, he was like a god. Here, everything was different.”
Controversial Suspension
start of the pivotal moments in Messi’s PSG career came in May 2023 when he was suspended for two weeks due to an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. The trip had not been approved by then-coach Christophe Galtier. Although Messi returned to play after the suspension, he chose to leave PSG at the end of the season to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The Current Landscape of PSG
As of now, both Mbappé and Neymar are no longer part of PSG. Mbappé has transferred to Real Madrid, while Neymar has returned to his former club, Santos, after a challenging stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal. Remarkably, PSG has managed to overcome the departure of their star trio, achieving impressive success by winning the UEFA Champions League last season.
Upcoming Clash
This Sunday, Messi will face the club where he experienced significant challenges when Inter Miami competes against PSG in the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup. With hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals, Messi aims to turn the page on his tumultuous chapter in Paris