Lionel Messi has made his move out of Paris Saint-Germain and is on his way to join Major League Soccer club Inter Miami CF. The seven times Ballon d’Or winner’s time at PSG wasn’t quite peaceful, as he endured a rough relationship with the Parisian crowd.
The 36-year-old Argentinian recently discussed his difficult relationship with fans, but he also claimed that former teammates Kylian Mbappe and Neymar also experience this problem.
Lionel Messi’s relationship with PSG fans
Speaking to RMC Sport, Messi said: “At first it was great, I received a lot of encouragement, as I’ve often said, but then people started to treat me differently, some of the Paris fans. The majority, on the other hand, treated me as well as they did at the start.”
“There was a rift with a large section of the Paris crowd. Of course, it wasn’t my intention.”
“But these are things that have already happened with Mbappé and Neymar too, it’s their way of doing things. But I still remember all those people who supported me, as they did at the start.”
Lionel Messi opens up on his relationship with PSG fans 🧐
— GOAL News (@GoalNews) June 23, 2023
The 2022 World Cup-winning captain received harsh treatment from the Parisian crowd on multiple occasions. At the Parc des Princes, he received loud boos from supporters; this situation grew worse during his second year with the club. PSG’s failures in the Champions League were also imposed on Messi to some extent.
Lionel Messi achievements in PSG colors
Paris Saint-Germain brought in one of the biggest names in soccer in 2021 with hopes of seeing European success. But things didn’t quite work out as expected, as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner only managed six league goals in his first season and was unable to lead PSG to their first-ever Champions League victory.
The 2022-23 season was much different, though. The Argentinian finished the season with 21 goals and 21 assists across all competitions for PSG; however, PSG failed to see European Silverware as they were knocked out in the Round of 16 again. During his 2-year spell, Messi won Ligue 1 twice, along with the French Super Cup last season.
Do you think Lionel Messi will be successful with his new venture at Major League Soccer? Don’t forget to let me know your opinions in the comments.
