Ligue 1: PSG President fires back at Messi over disrespect claim

PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has taken a swipe at Lionel Messi after he claimed that the French club treated him poorly after he led Argentina to World Cup final glory over France in 2022.

In an interview with ESPN Argentina on Thursday, September 21, Messi had claimed that he was the only member of the squad not to be honoured by his club for his achievement. He also implied the supposed slight was due to the fact that Argentina had beaten France in the final.

The 36-year-old Argentine legend said;

“I was the only player of the [squad] that didn’t get a [club] recognition. It was understandable … because of us [Argentina], they didn’t retain the World Cup.”

Messi also said that he does not regret his time in France. He added;

“It happened like that. It was not what I expected, but I always say things happen for a reason. Even if I wasn’t well there, it happened that I was world champion while I was there.

“I love what I do, I enjoy playing, and now it’s a different way. That is why I made the decision to come to Miami and not continue my career elsewhere: you experience it a different way.”

However, PSG President Al-Khelaifi has now refuted the claims made by Messi. He told RMC Sport;

“As everyone saw, because we even published a video, we celebrated Messi in training, and we also celebrated him in private. But with respect, we are a French club. It was of course sensitive to celebrate at the stadium. We must respect the country he defeated, his teammates on the France team, and our supporters too.”

It remains to be seen whether Messi who has moved on to MLS club, Inter Miami, will respond to the claims made by PSG president Al-Khelaifi.