PSG defends the decision to not publicly celebrating Lionel Messi’s 2022 World Cup triumph
Lionel Messi has begun a new life in Miami, and he seems to be enjoying it.
(L-R) Lionel Messi, Nasser Al-Khelaifi (Source: via AA photo)
PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has responded to Lionel Messi‘s statement which the Argentine made about PSG not celebrating his World Cup achievement. “We are a French Club,” the President stated.
Lionel Messi completed his lifelong dream of lifting the World Cup in Qatar, beating France in the finals. While Argentinean flags were flying high all around, Messi was not as lucky as his compatriots. The player was congratulated by his fellow teammates and was even given a guard of honor by the players. However, all these celebrations were restricted to the club’s training ground. “I was the only World Cup winner who didn’t get recognition from my club,” spoke the Argentine in a recent interview.
Meanwhile, Nasser Al-Khelaifi has defended the club’s actions by stating, “It was sensitive to celebrate on the pitch.” He further defended his views, “We must respect the country he beat, his teammates in the French National Team,” further adding, “We are a French club.”
This is not the first time the Argentine has spoken about his time in PSG in a bad light. Messi also stated that he was unhappy at the club on a personal level and the World Cup victory painted over those times. So, it made sense for the two sides to get separated from one another.
Lionel Messi made his move to the MLS where he joined David Beckham‘s Inter Miami side. PSG has also made investments to replace the outgoings in the form of Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembélé.
Lionel Messi was not PSG’s answer to European glory
Lionel Messi was part of a huge transfer window for PSG. The club had signed Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos, and Hakimi all in the same window. These signings showed PSG’s determination to win the coveted Champions League. Boasting a front line of Neymar, Mbappe, and Messi, fans across the globe were excited to see how the trio would perform.
Ever since their new owners arrived the Champions League had alluded the club quite heavily. They had come close once facing Bayern in the 2020 finals however were unable to close the deal. Lionel Messi’s arrival was meant to change things around for the French club. However, it wasn’t so. Eliminations by Real Madrid and Bayern Munich during Messi’s two years at the club meant that PSG’s signing did not come good.
Fans were frustrated with the team, as many of them believed that some players were motivated by money rather than the pursuit of glory. During that season, PSG Ultras were quick to turn on Lionel Messi and Neymar. Ultimately, the two-star players would depart in the summer of 2023, each beginning a new chapter in their careers, with Messi heading to the US and Neymar to the Middle East
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Syed Talib Haider
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