Lionel Messi, the Argentine football sensation, has finally addressed the tumultuous relationship he experienced with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters during his tenure at the club. After bidding farewell to PSG, Messi revealed that there was a notable "rift" between him and the fans at the Parc des Princes.
Messi's arrival in the summer of 2021, following his departure from Barcelona, was met with great fanfare. Thousands of supporters gathered to witness his official unveiling. However, things didn't go as smoothly as anticipated for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner. He struggled to find his form, scoring only six league goals in his debut season and failing to propel PSG to their coveted first-ever Champions League victory.
As the criticism mounted, Messi endured boos from the PSG faithful, which only worsened during his second campaign. The French giants once again fell short in European competitions, amplifying the scrutiny aimed at Messi. Moreover, the player faced suspension and fines from the club after an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia, leading to fan protests at PSG's headquarters.
In a candid revelation, Messi disclosed the challenges he faced with the supporters and emphasized that he was not alone. He highlighted the similar predicaments experienced by his former teammates Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, shedding light on the complexities of their relationships with the PSG fanbase.
However, Messi's departure from PSG was not without a final parting shot. Reports suggest that he advised Kylian Mbappe, one of football's rising stars, to seek a fresh challenge away from the French club. Before his move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), Messi reportedly encouraged Mbappe to consider a transfer to either Barcelona or Real Madrid, urging him to pursue a "real winning project."
As Messi embarks on his American adventure as a free agent, bidding farewell to Europe, speculation continues to swirl around Mbappe's future. The young French forward recently revealed that he would not activate a contract clause that would keep him at PSG until 2025. Consequently, he is now heavily linked with a potential move to Real Madrid, reigniting the long-standing rumors of his potential transfer to the Spanish giants.
Spanish outlet Defensa Central reported that Messi, in a heartfelt conversation with Mbappe, expressed his preference for the talented forward to join Barcelona. However, he also acknowledged Mbappe's potential move to Real Madrid, stating that he deserved a "real winning project."
Mbappe, already PSG's all-time leading goalscorer and a holder of multiple domestic titles, including five Ligue 1 championships and three French Cups, is yet to capture the elusive Champions League trophy. It appears that he may need to leave his homeland to fulfill his ambitions of conquering European football.
