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Lionel Messi Reflects on His Time at PSG

Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine footballer, has expressed that he did not find joy in his time at Paris St-Germain (PSG), where he played for two years. In an insightful conversation with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, Messi, now 37, revealed that moving to Paris after an illustrious 21-year career at Barcelona was a decision fraught with challenges.

During his tenure at PSG, Messi netted 32 goals and recorded 35 assists across 76 appearances. However, he remarked on how difficult those years were for him. “I went through two years which I didn’t enjoy,” he candidly admitted, highlighting a sense of discontent with daily training sessions and match experiences. Despite the need to make quick decisions after leaving Barcelona, he felt a strong pull to join Inter Miami, describing the club as “growing” and “very new.”

His departure from PSG, however, was not without controversy. PSG’s chairman, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, criticized Messi for what he perceived to be a lack of respect toward the club upon his exit. At that time, Messi revealed that he felt a fracture in his relationship with PSG fans, which particularly affected him as some supporters began to view him differently.

Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has aimed to contribute to the growth of both the club and Major League Soccer (MLS). His performance has been noteworthy, with 36 goals and 20 assists in 42 matches, illustrating a return to form and happiness in his new environment. Moreover, he is enthusiastic about Miami hosting the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will showcase not only Inter Miami but also elite teams like PSG, Manchester City, and Chelsea.

“This is very important for the club, especially for participating for the first time in a World Cup taking place in the country,” Messi commented. He added that it was a significant opportunity for MLS to expand its influence in the world of football: “Everything that’s happening creates an opportunity for the MLS to keep growing in football, as a league. And for other players to have the opportunity to come and keep growing.”

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