Lionel Messi is experiencing a peak in his career, having recently won the World Cup, a title that had eluded him until now. The 35-year-old Argentine star shined in the tournament in Qatar, earning the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player after netting seven goals.
Additionally, Messi put in stunning performances during the knockout stages of the World Cup, scoring against Australia, the Netherlands, Croatia, and France. After his disappointment in the 2014 World Cup, where he lost the final match against Germany, the Rosario native finally achieved redemption.
Upon the return to club play following the victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, various players from the Argentina team have been honored. For instance, Alexis Mac Allister was given a touching tribute by Brighton, and Lionel Messi got honored during his initial training session with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
After the World Cup final between Argentina and France, there was some doubt about the dynamic between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe at PSG. However, Messi was greeted with a warm welcome from his teammates, coaches, and staff in the form of the traditional Pasillo (Guard of Honor) during his first practice with the team.
Messi on his tribute by PSG: “I don’t like those things. Although obviously I appreciate it and it was something very nice. I’m ashamed of being the center and being treated that way. But it was nice to have the recognition of all the people here in Paris.” @DiarioOle 🗣️🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/05Edo8UGov
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) February 2, 2023
But in a recent podcast, Lionel Messi expressed how he felt, he said “I don’t like those things. Although obviously I appreciate it and it was something very nice. I’m ashamed of being the center and being treated that way. But it was nice to have the recognition of all the people here in Paris.”
Following his World Cup triumph, Lionel Messi’s next challenge is to add more trophies to his club, Paris Saint-Germain’s collection. PSG is a team that boasts talented players like Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Sergio Ramos. They are currently in a competitive battle with Lens in the Ligue 1 and will face Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16.
Kylian Mbappe skipped Lionel Messi’s World Cup celebration at PSG
Lionel Messi was given a ceremonial guard of honor upon his return to Paris Saint-Germain. However, his teammate Kylian Mbappé was absent from the event after losing to Messi in the World Cup final. In that game, Messi scored two goals and ultimately helped Argentina win the championship in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 tie.
Guard of honour for world champion Leo Messi 🇦🇷🏆
📽️: @PSG_inside #UCL pic.twitter.com/tRqBxS8Hto
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 4, 2023
Despite his performance, Messi did not win the tournament’s Golden Boot award. This accolade went to Mbappé, who scored a hat-trick during the tournament and finished with a total of eight goals.
After Paris Saint-Germain suffered a loss against Lens and lost their unbeaten record, manager Christophe Galtier allowed Mbappé and teammate Achraf Hakimi to take time off. As a result, the 2018 World Cup winner was not present for Messi’s ceremonial reception. However, Mbappé’s younger brother Ethan was there as he recently joined PSG’s first-team squad.
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