)
Lionel Messi revealed why he was unable to replicate his Barcelona form during his two years with Paris Saint-Germain
Former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi has revealed the reasons for his under-par performances during his time with the Paris Club during a recent interview.
During his two seasons with Les Parisiens, Messi won the Ligue 1 title but fell short of achieving the club's primary goal: winning the UEFA Champions League and was a shadow of the player he was during his Barcelona years.
Messi reflects on life in Paris
His stint at PSG concluded at the end of the 2022/23 season, marked by an unsanctioned trip to the Middle East that soured his relationship with the club. Reflecting on his experience, Messi told ESPN, “I have nothing against them, but unfortunately, it didn’t go as I had hoped. Personally, I struggled with the change; it was very difficult for us. It really affected me personally.”
)
Messi shared that his time in Paris was marred by personal challenges, affecting his performance on the pitch. He recalled a particularly negative experience with his neighbours, which added to his stress, saying, “In Paris, the neighbours knocked on the door at nine or ten o’clock in the evening to say that my kids shouldn’t be playing football.
"The neighbours bothered us… it played a lot on my mind and that had an effect on the pitch. In Paris, on a personal level, I wasn’t good,”
Messi grateful for World Cup silver lining
Despite the difficulties, Messi did find a bright spot during his time at PSG, though it was unrelated to the club. He highlighted his triumph with Argentina at the 2022 World Cup as the best moment of his tenure in Paris. “When I was in Paris, the best thing that happened to me was becoming World Champion [with Argentina],” he said.
)
Even though Messi struggled on a personal level with PSG, the former Barcelona star still enjoyed success with Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, winning the Albiceleste’s first world title since 1986, winning the Player of the Tournament award as well as his 7th Ballon d’Or award in the process.
Related content
)
23:32 - 12.06.2024
I wanted Real Madrid to lose — Messi on Champions League final
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi revealed his stance during the Champions League final.
)
23:59 - 10.06.2024
Barcelona’s de Jong ruled out of Euro 2024, with Lewandowski also a major doubt
The Dutch midfielder has failed fitness tests ahead of the tournament, while Lewandowski is now also a major doubt
)
15:02 - 10.06.2024
Barcelona miss out on ₦79 billion as Real Madrid deny plans to boycott FIFA Club World Cup
Real Madrid have clarified their stance on the FIFA Club World Cup despite recent statements attributed to manager Carlo Ancelotti
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)