Lionel Messi seems to have experienced a rapid fall from grace. Often being in the headlines for goals and galore, the Argentinian superstar is now in the negative limelight after reports came in that his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, had reportedly influenced his 2021 Ballon d’Or win. Amidst the controversy, a Spanish analyst has fiercely defended La Pulga, insisting ‘woe betide anyone who wants to tarnish his legacy‘.

Le Monde reports that PSG executives attempted to influence Pascal Ferre, the former head of France Football and the man behind the Ballon d’Or. The Parisian team was allegedly trying to win Ferre over by offering several favors to strengthen Lionel Messi’s chances of winning the award while he was a PSG player. The focus of the inquiry has narrowed down to the activities of Jean-Martial Ribes, the former head of communications. 

Renowned Sevilla-based commentator Cristobal Soria has thrown his weight behind Lionel Messi after the Inter Miami star’s seventh Ballon d’Or win was considered a hoax. The analyst took to social media platform X, and as translated, he wrote, “His Holiness Leo Messi is above good and evil…and woe betide anyone who wants to tarnish his legacy…..Leo is not to be touched and anyone who goes against him will be our sporting enemy…!!!!!”

According to a report released in November 2023 by the General Inspectorate of the National Police, “Ribes requested to obtain tickets for PSG football matches by journalists, politicians, elected officials, members of ministerial cabinets or the presidency, artists.” Notably, Lionel Messi had lifted the prestigious trophy ahead of then-Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski and former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema. Meanwhile, this isn’t the first reported influence-peddling case of PSG. 

After Lionel Messi, Neymar’s historic deal has landed PSG in hot waters

Just days ago, the Parisians were accused of influence peddling in the $242 million signing of their former star player, Neymar. Reports came in that authorities in France are focusing on the former vice president of the National Assembly because they believe that plans were made to obtain tax advantages for PSG in exchange for the substantial sum that Barcelona received in exchange for signing Neymar. 

WATCH: Donning No. 10, Lionel Messi’s Son Mateo Scores Stunning Hattrick for Inter Miami’s Youth Team

Although the punishment is unclear, the Ligue 1 club will face severe consequences if found guilty. However, it can just be an accusation. Doubts stayed in the air when the Qatari-backed club also signed Kylian Mbappe from Monaco for $180 million a year later. Either way, things don’t look good for PSG. 

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