The relationship between Lionel Messi and PSG leadership is deteriorating, especially after the Argentine superstar left the French club. Most recently, the PSG chairman publicly criticized ‘El Pulga’.
“I have a lot of respect for Messi, but speaking ill of PSG after leaving is clearly not good. He does not respect his former club. He is not a bad person, but I don’t like that. It’s not just Messi; I don’t like anyone who behaves like that. At PSG, it’s not easy for Messi when there is also Neymar and Mbappe here,” PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi publicly criticized Messi in front of the media.
According to the French newspaper L’Equipe, the relationship between Messi and PSG has soured since the beginning of 2023. Before Messi’s arrival, PSG consistently progressed deep into the Champions League. However, in the two seasons with “Leo” in the lineup, PSG was eliminated in the Round of 16 both times.
After being defeated by Real Madrid, PSG ultras criticized and blamed Messi. Towards the end of the season, the Argentine player was continuously jeered by the passionate fans right at the Parc des Princes stadium. Particularly, the incident where Messi skipped training to travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism promotion in early May 2023 further strained the relationship between the parties.
Messi still maintains a displeased attitude when talking about PSG: “As I said at the time, moving to Paris was not something I wanted. I didn’t want to leave Barcelona. I’m just trying to get through each day. I have to adapt to a place completely different from where I’ve lived my entire life, both in terms of the city and the football aspect. It’s truly difficult and completely contrary to what’s happening at Inter Miami.”
Unhesitant to express negative remarks about Lionel Messi, the head of PSG attempts to praise Kylian Mbappe. Until now, the reigning Ligue 1 champions are still trying to keep hold of the French national team striker. However, the success prospects of PSG seem to be diminishing.
According to Foot Mercato, Kylian Mbappe has agreed to join Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2024 when his contract with PSG expires. Speaking about Mbappe’s future, Mr. Al-Khelaifi stated, “I will not hide it. Of course, I want Kylian to stay; that is certain. He is the best player in the world, and the best club for Kylian is PSG.”
The head of the Parc des Princes continued, “Mbappe is still very young and can win many titles with us and the French national team. I have complete confidence in him. Mbappe will never do anything to harm the club. I don’t want to talk about money because that is a ‘gentleman’s agreement.’ But it is true that we have an understanding between us.”
