Lionel Messi’s future continues to be a topic of conjecture, yet the head of Saudi club Al-Tai has expressed disinterest in acquiring the celebrated World Cup champion.
Al-Tai President Criticizes Lionel Messi, Uninterested in Signing Him
Turki Al-Dabaan, the president of the Saudi club Al-Tai, has targeted Lionel Messi with criticism and stated that he wouldn’t sign the Argentine international for his team. Uncertainty surrounds Messi’s future as his contract with PSG will end in the summer. Al-Dabaan cites Messi’s performance during his team’s Champions League elimination by Bayern Munich as the reason he wouldn’t want to invest in the World Cup winner.
Al Dhabaan expressed his reluctance to sign a world-class player like Messi, who seemed disinterested and merely observed the match against Bayern Munich from the stadium. This statement was made during an interview with the Saudi Arabian TV channel SBC.
Criticism of Messi and PSG Following Champions League Exit
Both Messi and PSG faced substantial backlash after their disappointing departure from Europe’s premier competition. Philipp Lahm commented that Messi appeared “helpless and desperate” during the round of 16 match, which resulted in a 3-0 aggregate victory for Bayern. The 35-year-old footballer has been rumored to be considering a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, amid ongoing speculations about a potential return to Barcelona or a transfer to MLS.
Messi’s Upcoming Match with PSG
The Argentine star is scheduled to play with PSG in a Ligue 1 match against Lyon on Sunday, April 2.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Lionel Messi began his journey as a football prodigy in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. In the late 1990s, he joined the Newell’s Old Boys, where his exceptional talent was evident from a young age. At just 13 years old, Messi moved to Spain with his family to join FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. By 2004, Messi made his debut for the first team, and it wasn’t long before he established himself as a key player.
Record-Breaking Performances with Barcelona
Throughout his illustrious career with Barcelona, Lionel Messi consistently delivered outstanding performances and shattered numerous records. In the 2008-2009 season, he helped lead the team to an unprecedented treble, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League titles. Messi’s incredible skill set and goal-scoring ability led to him becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer, a record previously held by Cesar Rodriguez.
In the 2011-2012 season, Messi reached a new milestone, setting the record for the most goals scored in a calendar year, with an astounding 91 goals. This remarkable achievement surpassed Gerd Muller’s previous record, which had stood for 40 years. Furthermore, Messi won the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best player on six occasions, a testament to his impact on the sport.
International Achievements with Argentina
Lionel Messi’s journey with the Argentine national team was filled with highs and lows. He made his debut for the senior team in 2005, and by 2006, he participated in his first FIFA World Cup. Over the years, Messi guided Argentina to four Copa America finals and one World Cup final in 2014. Although they fell short in these instances, Messi’s efforts did not go unnoticed.
In 2021, Messi finally tasted international success, as he captained Argentina to victory in the Copa America. This triumph marked his first major international title, and he also won the tournament’s Golden Boot and Best Player awards.
Final Years at Barcelona and Move to PSG
Lionel Messi’s final seasons with Barcelona were marked by a decline in the team’s performance, as they struggled to maintain their previous dominance. Despite this, Messi remained a critical contributor, continuing to score goals and create opportunities for his teammates. In August 2021, due to financial constraints, Barcelona was unable to renew Messi’s contract, ending his 20-year association with the club.
Messi subsequently signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), joining forces with Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. In his first season with the French giants, Messi adjusted to a new league and environment, while still displaying the brilliance that had defined his career.