Lionel Messi didn’t show “respect” for Paris Saint-Germain after his departure, according to club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The World Cup-winning Argentine parted ways with the Ligue 1 club last summer, calling time on a spell which saw him record an impressive 67 goal contributions in 75 matches. Despite a stellar individual effort, PSG again flattered to deceive on the continental stage, and Messi has since come out with some less-than-positive words about his life in the French capital.
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WHAT AL-KHELAIFI SAID
Club president Al-Khelaifi has now responded to such criticism, telling RMC Sport on Tuesday: “We talk when we are there, not when we are gone.
I have great respect for him [Messi] but if someone wants to talk badly about Paris Saint-Germain after [his departure], it’s not good. That’s not respect […] He’s not a bad guy, but I don’t like that. It’s not just for him, but for everyone.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Messi secured a blockbuster move to MLS side Inter Miami after his time in Paris came to a close, and made an immediate impact stateside. The 36-year-old helped the Herons win the 2023 Leagues Cup – the first trophy in their history. Fast forward six months and Messi’s former strike partner Kylian Mbappe could also be leaving the Parc des Princes, although Al-Khelaifi revealed the pair had an unspecified “gentlemen’s agreement”.
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
The Argentina captain is enjoying some well-earned rest as MLS breaks for the offseason. He faces a meeting with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo in a friendly in Riyadh on February 1.
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