Lionel Messi Criticizes PSG for Failing to Recognize His World Cup Victory

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Lionel Messi won the World Cup while playing for Paris Saint-Germain, but his joy was somewhat muted due to the club’s reluctance to celebrate Argentina’s victory over France in the final.

Messi has openly criticized Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for what he perceives as a lack of acknowledgment regarding Argentina’s World Cup triumph last year.

Argentina secured their third world title by defeating France in Qatar, marking Messi’s fifth attempt to claim the coveted prize. While Messi received a guard of honor from his PSG teammates during training, no such recognition occurred at the Parc des Princes.

It has been reported that Messi expressed a desire to parade the World Cup trophy at PSG’s stadium, but club officials declined this request out of concern that it might lead to a backlash from PSG fans, given France’s loss in the final.

In an attempt to acknowledge Messi’s World Cup victory, PSG presented him with a special award during training and granted him an extended break following the final. Argentina triumphed over France on December 18, and Messi did not return to training until January 4.

However, Messi, who joined David Beckham’s Inter Miami during the summer, remains dissatisfied with PSG’s response to his achievement. He stated, “I was the only player that didn’t receive recognition from the club compared to my 25 other teammates.”

Many Argentina players received a hero’s welcome upon returning to their respective clubs, with some experiencing heartfelt celebrations.

For instance, Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who later joined Liverpool, was allowed to lift the World Cup trophy at the Amex Stadium before a Premier League game.

He also proudly displayed the trophy at Brighton’s training ground, receiving applause from teammates and staff.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez also received a warm reception upon his return to Old Trafford, expressing gratitude for the “amazing reception.”

In fairness to PSG, Messi and Lyon defender Nicolas Tagliafico were the only two Argentina players who won the World Cup while playing in France. Allowing Messi to showcase the trophy at the Parc des Princes could have been contentious, considering Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick for France in the final, also plays for PSG.

It’s worth noting that Messi’s relationship with PSG fans was strained towards the end of his tenure in the French capital, with some supporters booing him. In an interview with RMC Sport, Messi acknowledged a rift with a significant portion of the Parisian crowd and attributed the booing to the fans’ way of expressing themselves.

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