Published 12:24 IST, June 18th 2024
'It really affected me...':Lionel Messi opens up about the WORST thing that happened to him at PSG
Lionel Messi shares his emotional distress over a significant event at PSG, describing it as one of the worst experiences.
Lionel Messi made headlines worldwide when he joined MLS club Inter Miami last year, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. Since then, Messi has appeared to enjoy a fulfilling time both on and off the pitch in Florida. His presence has not only enhanced the stature of American soccer but has also brought exciting opportunities for fans to witness one of the sport's greatest talents in their backyard. However, the Argentine had a nightmare during his time at PSG for 2 years after he left FC Barcelona for free in 2021.
Lionel Messi opens up on one of the most awkward incidents during his time at PSG
When Lionel Messi initially arrived in Paris following his 2021 transfer from Barcelona to PSG, he revealed that his neighbours were irritated by his kids' playing football. After financial problems prevented Barcelona from registering Messi, he joined PSG.
With Barcelona, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner played 778 games, scoring an incredible 672 goals and dishing out 269 assists. His transfer to PSG brought him back together with Neymar Jr., a former Barcelona teammate, and matched him with new sensation Kylian Mbappe.
Messi didn't live up to the hype surrounding his move to PSG. Despite his 32 goals and 34 assists in 75 games played in all competitions, including some pivotal contributions, the team was unable to win the Champions League. While injuries repeatedly interrupted his time with PSG, Messi claims that there was another outside influence at work. He revealed in a recent interview that his kids' backyard football games were upsetting his neighbours. Speaking with ESPN, Messi said:
“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.”
“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. When I was in Paris, the best thing that happened to me was becoming World Champion (with Argentina).”
The only thing good to remember from Lionel Messi’s stint at PSG was that he was able to lift the FIFA World Cup 2022 with Argentina in December 2022. He is set to lead Argentina in the Copa America 2024, where he will look to defend the title as Argentina will commence the competition on Friday, June 21 against Canada.
Updated 12:24 IST, June 18th 2024