Lionel Messi said that he and his family had a difficult time adjusting once he moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
He also stated that the booing and jeers that were aimed at him towards the conclusion of his spell were something that team mates Kylian Mbappe and Neymar also had to face.
The Argentine superstar did not extend his contract with PSG this month after two years, and on June 7 he revealed that he would join MLS team Inter Miami, leaving some fans unsatisfied with his performance. The deal had been in place for two years.
Messi earned 32 goals and 35 assists in his two seasons with the French champions. However, a gap with the supporters formed as he was unable to aid the club in advancing through the last 16 round of the Champions League.
Even though there were individuals I knew in the dressing room, I still found it quite challenging to adjust when I first arrived in Paris. It was far more difficult than I had anticipated. The transition, coming late, not having a preseason, adjusting to the new club, the new manner of playing, new teammates, the city… all of these things made it difficult to adjust.According to what he said with BeIN Sports, “it wasn’t easy for me or for my family.”
He described the reception as “very nice,” and it was.
“And then people started to treat me differently, a portion of the Paris fans started to treat me differently,” she said. “And then I started to feel like I was a different person.”
“There was a rift with a significant portion of the Paris fans; it was not my intention, in fact it was quite the opposite, but it transpired that way.” This has occurred in the past with Mbappe and Neymar, and I am aware that this is how they handle situations.
“I will remember all of the people who respect me, just as I have always respected everyone since the day I arrived; however, that is all it is; it’s just a story,” she said.
Messi, who won two league championships and a French Super Cup with PSG, was also harshly criticized in Paris when the club punished him for an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. During his time with PSG, Messi won the French Super Cup and two league crowns.
After considerable speculation in which Messi was associated with a return to Barcelona, the world champion is likely to make his debut for Miami on July 21 in a Leagues Cup battle against Mexican club Cruz Azul. This comes after much speculation in which Messi was linked with a return to Barcelona.