Paris Saint-Germain and Lionel Messi faced another disappointing loss in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage. They were beaten 2-0 on the night by Bayern Munich and 3-0 on aggregate in the Round of 16 ties. Following the final whistle, Messi faced a similar sight. A pitch invader ran in and rushed straight toward him. However, the invading kid slipped and in the chaos, it was believed that Messi kicked him.
Commenting on the incident, one fan said, “disgraceful.”
Disgraceful
— Carlos Branco (@CFRBranco) March 9, 2023
Some other fans also expressed their disdain about Messi’s alleged act.
And this guy considers as humble person 😭😭
— chinmay (@onlycm97) March 9, 2023
Horrible horrible human being if this was Ronaldo everyone would want his head on a spike
— P (@HOLDENF4RD) March 9, 2023
However, it is not very clear if Messi actually kicked the fan. After observing the incident from several different angles, there is still no conclusive proof that Messi was violent. In fact, Messi showed concern about the kid who slipped and might have hurt himself. Security guards were quick at the scene as well.
Many fans were quick to understand that Messi has played no foul part in the incident. They commented in favor of the Argentine.
I first thought he kicked him but it’s actually one of the security guys that pushes his leg as he falls down.
— Hiram S (@Citing_Silver) March 9, 2023
LMAO THIS IS SO MANIPULATED THAT IS CRAZY#
— Lord Ron 🦀 (@Rxn_605) March 9, 2023
He didn’t kick him. Don’t say things that never happened
— 𝓐𝓵𝓵 𝓐𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓒𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓸 (@CR7_base) March 9, 2023
The FIFA World Cup-winning captain was in great form going into the Champions League tie. However, he could not make the most of his good run. The Bundesliga champions comfortably defeated the French champions with goals from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Serge Gnabry.
Lionel Messi bows out of the UEFA Champions League knockout stages for the eighth consecutive time
Messi last tasted triumph in the UEFA Champions League during the 2014/15 season with Barcelona. At the time, he was playing with Luis Suarez and Neymar in the attack. They were famously known as ‘MSN’. However, since Neymar’s departure and further financial issues for Barcelona, Messi has been tasting defeat regularly in the Champions League.
He bowed out of the knockout stages consecutively for eight seasons. Six of those seasons were with Barcelona and the last two have been with PSG.
However, Messi has consistently racked up decent individual numbers in these disappointing seasons. Taking into account the last eight Champions League tournaments, he has played 64 matches and scored 52 goals. He has also assisted 18 goals.
Leo Messi: “It will be a very close & very difficult match (Bayern Munich) as the first leg was, where they are decided by small details, especially since it is a very difficult to win in stadium.” 🇦🇷🗣️ pic.twitter.com/UcC6h1SM7M
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) March 6, 2023
Messi had confident words for his PSG team before the second leg against Bayern Munich on March 8, 2023. “It’s going to be a very difficult game which will be decided by small details. Winning at this stadium is very tough. But I think we’re well prepared and capable of turning the situation around. We’ll go to Munich with this intention,” Messi told PSG TV.
However, it was not meant to be this season for the Argentine. We will have to wait and see if Messi continues to play for PSG next season. If he moves, it will be interesting to see where he goes and if he continues to play Champions League soccer.
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