After Lionel Messi Fired Shots at PSG Over World Cup Recognition, Club President Responds- “We Have to Respect the Country He Defeated”

Published 09/24/2023, 10:00 AM EDT

Lionel Messi‘s turbulent relationship with his former club Paris Saint-Germain continues. Messi has been very vocal about his discontent while playing for PSG after his switch to Inter Miami in the MLS this summer. Now, the ongoing row between Messi and PSG has taken its next turn after PSG’s president made his thoughts known after Messi attacked the Parisian club for not giving him ‘recognition’ after winning the World Cup.

In an interview with Miguel Granados on the YouTube channel Olga, Messi said: “I was the only player of the 25 that didn’t get a [club] recognition. It was understandable … because of us [Argentina], they [France] didn’t retain the World Cup.” This was after Messi’s ex-PSG teammate Neymar described both him and Messi going through ‘hell’ whilst at PSG. Even France legend Frank Leboeuf had his say on the Inter Miami star’s comments, suggesting that Kylian Mbappe would have been ‘burnt alive’ if the Frenchman won a World Cup against Argentina while playing for an Argentine club. Now, the PSG president has made a statement on the matter.

PSG president comments on Messi’s accusations of not being recognized at the Parisian club after World Cup win

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According to the latest reports in media outlet RMC Sport PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi had his say on the matter citing that PSG did give Messi recognition in private. Furthermore, the PSG president stated that it was a “sensitive” matter because Argentina beat France in the World Cup final.

The RMC Sport report quotes Al-Khelaifi saying, “We talk a lot outside, I don’t know what he’s done or what he hasn’t said. As everyone saw – we even published a video – we celebrated Messi in training (when he won the World Cup), and we also celebrated him in private,”

“But with respect – we’re a French club. Of course, it was sensitive to celebrate at the stadium. We have to respect the country he defeated – his French team-mates, and our supporters too. But he was, and he’s an incredible player – we were proud to have him here.”

Despite the ongoing war of words with his old club, Messi will be looking to earn more silverware with his new employer Inter Miami.

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Messi in doubt with US Open Cup final coming up for Inter Miami

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The Miami franchise play Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final on the 27th of September. However, Messi’s involvement in the final is in doubt at the moment. Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has spoken about Messi’s injury which was earlier reported to be just muscle fatigue. But now, Martino has suggested that Messi could be a doubt for the final.

Speaking after Inter Miami’s game against Toronto where Messi was substituted in the 37th minute, Martino said, “In principle, it’s a scar from an old injury that’s bothering him. The image brought with him from Argentina, there was no muscular injury.” “But I’m saying that more than anything because of a talk I had with him. … Maybe we need to be more cautious than what I’m saying.”

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Messi could win his 2nd trophy with Inter Miami should they win the US Open Cup final. Nevertheless, it’s certain that Messi fans across America and perhaps all over the world will surely be hoping that the Argentine maestro can grace the pitch for the final.

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Written by:

With extensive knowledge & over 8+ years of experience as a soccer journalist, Gaurav knows the intricacies of the beautiful game inside out and is now working with EssentiallySports. He played as a No.10 on the pitch during his younger years, modeling his game around his idol Zinedine Zidane.

Edited by:

Sreeda U M

After Lionel Messi Fired Shots at PSG Over World Cup Recognition, Club President Responds- “We Have to Respect the Country He Defeated”

PSG president comments on Messi’s accusations of not being recognized at the Parisian club after World Cup win

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