Lionel Messi has sent shock waves in the soccer world with his recent comments directed at PSG. Messi recently appeared for his first-ever interview since joining Inter Miami. The Argentine star has been on a roll since then, taking his side to the Leagues Cup final. However, Lionel Messi threw shade at his former club PSG during his interview.
Despite his highly anticipated signing, Messi failed to live up to the expectations at the French club. Although he provided 66 goal contributions in 74 appearances, his subpar performance in the Champions League didn’t go down well with the PSG fans. The former PSG star was frequently vilified by the PSG Ultras who kept booing and whistling at him.
Lionel Messi revealed that he never wanted to go to PSG 😮 pic.twitter.com/657eCDu39I
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 17, 2023
Speaking in an interview recently, Lionel Messi explained that going to PSG was never a part of his plan. He said, “Me going to Paris was neither planned nor desired. I did not want to leave Barcelona and it became difficult.” The Inter Miami star’s comments have immediately gone viral on social media platforms. While some fans have criticized Messi’s words, others supported him with one fan even writing, “PSG is a small club.” This comment was also liked by another major outgoing name from the French capital, Neymar.
Here are some reactions from fans:
COMFORT ZONE MERCHANT 😭😭
— Pasi (@Pasi_9000) August 17, 2023
PSG is a small club
— ACE (@FCB_ACEE) August 17, 2023
Because life outside of Barcelona’s system or Barcelona players not holding your hand is very different. Not everyone is like Ronaldo who can adapt anywhere.pic.twitter.com/01QYHgsGEY
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) August 17, 2023
Too scared of mbappe??👀
— Pillows And Duvets (@PillowsAndDuvet) August 17, 2023
But you collected 1M euro every week? 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/RzlJz501PP
— Thomas Bright (@OfficialDadyA2) August 17, 2023
He went there to train for the world cup and he did win it 🐐🐐🐐
— Emmanuel knows ball (@bankaikokujo) August 18, 2023
Nevertheless, after a tough time at PSG, Lionel Messi seems to have finally found his lost happiness again. The Inter Miami captain is enjoying his time in the US. He also explained in the interview that going to Miami was a decision that was influenced by his wife, kids, and family. With comparatively less pressure on his shoulders, Messi’s move to Miami is serving him right.
Why did Lionel Messi leave FC Barcelona?
Lionel Messi left FC Barcelona back in 2021 after spending more than two decades at the club. In a move that no one was expecting, including Messi, the 36-year-old star left Barcelona and joined PSG. However, Barcelona president Joan Laporta explained that due to the club’s poor financial condition, Messi’s departure was a necessary evil.
In what was a very emotional press conference, Lionel Messi explained his side of the events as he bade farewell to his boyhood club. Messi said, “I’m very sad because I didn’t want to leave this club.” He further explained that the club couldn’t accommodate his signing despite him taking a massive salary cut. Even Messi’s close friend Sergio Aguero recently explained how close Messi was to continuing with FC Barcelona in 2021.
Most recently, there were talks of Lionel Messi’s return to the Catalan club a few months ago. Messi’s agent and father, Jorge, was even spotted meeting club president Laporta. However, the club’s economic condition once again obstructed Messi’s homecoming. After failing to secure a guarantee about his future at FC Barcelona, the former FC Barcelona star announced his signing with Inter Miami.