Hearing Lionel Messi receive boos from Paris Saint-Germain fans is distressing, concedes his fellow Parc des Princes squad member, Danilo Pereira.
Lionel Messi’s Unsettling Reception at Paris Saint-Germain
Having joined French football in the summer of 2021, Lionel Messi, the Argentine prodigy, was met with great anticipation. Shortly after his arrival, he even won his seventh Ballon d’Or. During his stint at PSG, Messi managed to add a World Cup victory to his decorated career, along with contributing 31 goals and 34 assists in 72 matches. Despite his remarkable performance, speculations about his commitment to the team have emerged as he seemingly allows his contract to inch closer to free agency.
The PSG Crowd’s Mixed Reactions
The Parisian crowd has not shied away from expressing their discontentment towards Messi, often met with jeers during matches. A notable instance occurred during a 5-0 triumph over Ajaccio, where the crowd showered Messi with whistles. Messi’s teammate, Danilo Pereira, confessed to Canal Plus about the discomfort he felt witnessing the iconic player face such negative reactions. He admitted it’s tough to see a teammate being jeered at since they all belong to the same team. Despite the unpleasantness, Pereira maintained that the main focus should be on winning the championship.
The Team’s Perspective
Renato Sanches, another PSG player, offered his thoughts about the precarious situation. When reporters inquired about Messi’s predicament, Sanches acknowledged the difficulty of the circumstances, particularly for Messi, as no player enjoys such confrontations. However, Sanches stated that it was beyond their control and refrained from commenting further on whether Messi should stay at PSG, suggesting that it would be better to ask Messi directly.
Future Prospects for Lionel Messi
At 35, Lionel Messi appears poised to leave PSG when the summer arrives. The football world is rife with speculations about his next move. Some suggest a sentimental return to Barcelona, while others propose possible transfers to MLS or the Middle East. Despite the turbulence, Messi’s future continues to be a topic of great interest in the football community.