Lionel Messi’s Arrival at PSG: A Hero’s Welcome, Yet Unfulfilled Champions League Dreams
After two years, Lionel Messi’s tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is coming to an end, marked by an inability to achieve his goal of delivering the Champions League title to the club. While his time in the French capital showcased glimpses of his brilliant capabilities, it’s challenging to label his stint at PSG as a resounding success. However, the move did provide him with a platform to pursue the crowning achievement of his career, winning the World Cup last year, and bolstered PSG’s reputation as a prominent sporting brand. During his unveiling in August 2021, Messi expressed his dream of clinching the Champions League for the fifth time, believing that PSG was the ideal environment for such an accomplishment.
Alluring promises were made to PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi and the club’s passionate fans, eager to witness their team secure their inaugural victory in European football’s prestigious tournament. Following their prior season’s disappointment of losing to Manchester City in the semi-finals, as well as their defeat by Bayern Munich in the 2020 final, Lionel Messi appeared to be the missing puzzle piece for PSG’s triumph.
However, PSG’s fortunes have taken a downturn since Messi’s arrival. Under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino last season, they suffered elimination in the Champions League last 16 against Real Madrid. Similarly, this year, with Christophe Galtier at the helm, they faced the same fate at the hands of Bayern.
The absence of a pursuit by Pep Guardiola to bring Lionel Messi to Manchester City, despite the latter being hailed as the greatest player of all time by his former Barcelona coach, likely stems from various reasons.
Guardiola’s team has successfully advanced to this season’s Champions League final, demonstrating a level of play that PSG, even with Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar on their side, currently struggles to match. The inclusion of these three attacking superstars has resulted in an imbalanced PSG team overall.
As Messi approaches the age of 36 this month and commands an estimated annual salary of 30 million euros ($32.1 million) after tax, PSG now faces the challenge of constructing a more well-rounded squad without his presence.
In early 2023, Messi faced jeering from certain supporters at the Parc des Princes. This incident occurred prior to his unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia to fulfill obligations as a tourism ambassador for the Gulf state. Following a one-week suspension, the likelihood of Messi signing a new contract in Paris appeared bleak.Before the final match of the season against Clermont, Messi had scored 32 goals in 74 appearances for PSG.
Having been uprooted from Barcelona, his first season in France proved to be challenging as he struggled to adapt and settle.
The physicality of the French league has occasionally posed difficulties for him, but this season has left a lasting impression.
Despite his initial struggles, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner forged a remarkable partnership with Mbappe, recognizing the younger French star as the team’s focal point.
Messi’s contribution in Ligue 1 includes 16 goals and an impressive 16 assists, the highest number of assists by any player in France’s top flight.
With two Ligue 1 title winner’s medals added to his collection, Messi departs from the French league. However, considering his achievements at Barcelona and his World Cup triumph with Argentina, the French league may not hold the same significance when he reflects on his illustrious career.
As noted by Vincent Duluc in the esteemed French sports daily L’Equipe, “PSG’s improvement cannot be solely attributed to him…and his enthusiasm for playing in Ligue 1 seemed comparable to a dental appointment.”
Nevertheless, Messi’s impact has not gone unnoticed by those who have crossed paths with him, whether as teammates or opponents.
Despite missing out on the award to Mbappe, Messi was nominated for the French player of the year accolade, showcasing his enduring influence.
“This season, I’ve had the privilege of coaching the greatest player in the history of football,” declared Galtier recently.
“He has been a crucial asset to our team. I have never believed that the criticism directed towards him was warranted, especially considering he is 35 years old and had the distraction of a World Cup in the middle of the season. Yet, he managed to contribute to over 40 goals in all competitions.”
“To have been able to accompany him throughout the season, rather than just coach him, has been an immense privilege.”
Now, it is time for Messi and PSG to embark on their respective paths, leaving behind the memories and experiences they shared.
