Lionel Messi softens PSG criticism | OneFootball

Lionel Messi (38) has not exactly spoken glowingly of Paris Saint-Germain since his departure on a free transfer back in 2023.

Messi joined PSG back in 2021. It was a move that was somewhat forced by the financial context at Barcelona. The World Cup winner has since said that he “wasn’t happy on a daily basis” while in Paris, while former PSG teammates Neymar said that he and Messi went through “hell” at the Ligue 1 club.

“As I said at the time, I didn’t want to leave to go to Paris. I had to quickly adapt to a new place after so many years at PSG,” he added. Messi was also angry about Les Parisiens’ handling of his World Cup win, which came against France, in 2022.

 “I was the only player out of the 25 (World Cup winners) that wasn’t recognised,” noted Messi, before caveating. “It was understandable. I was in a place that, because of us, wasn’t world champions once again.”

And his time at PSG ended on a bitter note. With his contract expiring, there were reports of a renewal in the works, but those hopes were dashed when Messi made an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia. He was subsequently fined and temporarily removed from the first-team set-up. Whilst he was reintegrated following a public apology, bridges had been burned, and he left on a free transfer, ultimately joining Inter Miami. 

However, speaking to Sport, Messi has now toned down the criticism. “It wasn’t hell,” said the former Barcelona forward. “When I said that I didn’t feel good, it is because I wasn’t happy with what I was doing and in terms of what I like to do: playing football, the daily routine, training, matches. But honestly, we had a great family experience. The city is spectacular. We loved it.”

He continued, “The truth is that I didn’t feel good on a daily basis in terms of what I love to do (playing football).“

GFFN | Luke Entwistle