Messi vs PSG Duel: The Bitter Tale of a Legend Who Failed to Deliver
PSG finally won the Champions League, but not thanks to Lionel Messi. Instead of being the star to bring the coveted European title, Messi’s stint in Paris left a bitter taste and disappointment.
PSG and Messi’s Arrival: Dream or Nightmare?
When PSG signed Lionel Messi in August 2021, the world expected the Argentine magic to finally bring the European trophy to a club that had been close for years but never succeeded. Messi’s arrival was met with huge hopes, especially as the club under Luis Enrique shifted focus from signing expensive superstars to building a young, hungry, dynamic team.
However, Messi’s season in Paris was no fairy tale. Despite scoring 32 goals and providing 35 assists in 75 appearances, his performance was not at the level expected from a legend. PSG was eliminated twice in the Round of 16 of the Champions League, a step backward compared to previous seasons.
Bitter Stats and Fan Discontent
Messi’s annual net salary of €30 million did not justify expectations. His arrival did not bring the desired team spirit, and the departure of Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid further weakened the squad. Fans even booed Messi, feeling his commitment was not at the necessary level.
French newspaper L’Équipe described Messi’s time at PSG as if he played Ligue 1 like going to the dentist – without real desire or passion.
A New Chance in MLS and a Repeated Fate
Now, at 38, Messi’s career continues at Inter Miami, where he has already shown he can be a key player. However, fate arranged for him to face PSG again in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup, the very club that brought him so much bitterness.
Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano believes the bitter memories from Paris could further motivate Messi to give his best. But was Messi’s dream of winning another Champions League at PSG just an illusion?
Conclusion: A Legend in Decline or Just an Unfortunate Episode?
Messi’s stay in Paris remains remembered as one of the disappointments in his brilliant career. Although he brought two Ligue 1 titles and contributed to PSG’s brand growth, the European dream was not realized. Was Messi’s departure from Barcelona the beginning of the end of his star form, or did PSG simply make a mistake building the team around him?
In any case, the Messi vs PSG duel in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup will be a real drama to watch. What do you think – was Messi’s PSG episode a failure or just an unfortunate chapter in the legend’s career? Drop a comment, maybe together we’ll uncover the truth!
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