Lionel Messi left PSG this summer and joined Inter Miami in the United States. Messi struggled at the club and he admitted that he was unhappy in those 2 years. When Messi’s contract was coming to an end, PSG approached him many times to renew. However, Messi refused every time and the relationship between him and the club slowly soured. Following his 8th Ballon d’Or win, when Messi was asked whether there would be a person at Parc des Princes, Messi said Parisians wouldn’t want that.
After Messi won his 8th Ballon d’Or yesterday, he was asked whether he would present the award at Parc des Princes. However, it seemed Messi has no plans to go back to France and especially Paris. Messi replied, “I’m not sure the Parisians want that I present the Ballon d’Or to the Parc [des Princes]. My time in Paris did not go as I hoped for different reasons. I lived for two years in Paris and I have very good friends there, I have enjoyed the city a lot.”
He added, “My sons really enjoyed it and it cost them a lot to leave Paris because they didn’t want to move yet and they wanted to stay in their school and with their friends. It’s an incredible city that I had the chance to live in for a bit. From a sporting point of view, it didn’t go as I hoped but I keep in mind all the good things that I have lived, and there have also been many.” Lionel Messi created history yesterday in Paris.
He broke his own record of earning the most number of Ballon d’Or awards in its history. He won his 8th Ballon d’Or for his achievements in the past year. This includes his achievements in both country and club. The Argentina captain won his career’s major missing and most desired trophy, the World Cup in 2022. However, that win came against France in the World Cup final. After winning football’s most prestigious trophy, Messi had to go back to play in the country he defeated.
Ever other Argentina player received hero’s welcome as they came back to their respective clubs. However, considering Messi defeated France in the final, PSG didn’t do the same for Messi in any of their matches. While it was understandable, it still couldn’t have been a easy situation in the dressing room. PSG and Messi’s relationship soured further when he flew to Qatar for a trip while an emergency training session was scheduled. The problem solved, but it’s still remained hard between Messi and PSG.
Additionally, PSG fans started booking Messi during many matches. The club and the teammates were supporting him. However, it still doesn’t change the fact that Parisians don’t seem to be too fond of Messi. However, Messi’s achievements which were taken into account for the Ballon d’Or included his time at PSG. Hence, if he wanted to, he could present the award at Parc des Princes as he spent till June at PSG. However, seeing how he spent his last few months at PSG, it is wise of him to not go there again.
Editors pick
