Lionel Messi has revealed that his two-year stint at Paris St-Germain was not a happy period in his career. The Argentine superstar, who joined the French club in 2021 after spending 21 years with Barcelona, admitted that he struggled to adapt to life in Paris.
Speaking to Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, the 37-year-old forward shared that his move to PSG was a decision made out of necessity after his unexpected departure from Barcelona. However, he found it difficult to settle in. “I wasn’t happy on a daily basis, with the training, the matches,” Messi said. “I went through two years which I didn’t enjoy.”
Departure and Criticism from PSG
During his time at PSG, Messi made 76 appearances, scoring 32 goals and providing 35 assists. Despite his contributions, his relationship with the club and its supporters became strained. A section of the fanbase started treating him differently, which led to a breakdown in the connection between player and club.
After his departure, PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi accused Messi of lacking “respect” for the club. The forward, however, had already spoken about the difficulties he faced during his time in France and his desire to find a fresh start elsewhere.
A New Chapter in Miami
Messi left PSG in 2023 to join Inter Miami, a club co-owned by David Beckham. Since arriving in Major League Soccer, he has made a significant impact, scoring 36 goals and assisting 20 times in 42 matches. He sees his move as an opportunity to help the club and the league continue to grow.
Looking ahead, Messi is excited about Miami hosting the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where Inter Miami will compete alongside teams like Manchester City, Chelsea, and PSG. “It’s important for the club to participate in a World Cup for the first time, and having two MLS teams involved is a great thing,” he said. He believes events like these will help MLS continue to develop and attract more talent in the future.
