Ever since Lionel Messi moved to PSG, he has had a difficult relationship with the Parisian fans. While PSG fans rejoiced when Messi was presented for the first time at Parc des Princes, most fans now doubt the Argentina star’s commitment to the team. Moreover, after PSG’s recent Champions League exit, the relationship between Messi and the fans has soured even more.
As per reports from Pubity Sport, PSG fans have targeted Lionel Messi as the culprit for PSG’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. During PSG’s next home game this Sunday, the fans are planning to whistle the Argentine talisman. The French fans seem to be infuriated after PSG‘s repeated failure at Europe’s elite club competition.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp2m5LmP9wH/
However, soccer fans have not taken kindly to PSG fans’ decision to whistle at Lionel Messi. Many fans have hit out at the PSG supporters, saying “Champions league won by Messi=4 and PSG=0,” and “Camp Nou would never.” One fan wrote, “I don’t think Messi would be upset that one of the smallest clubs in Europe’s top 6 plans to whistle him.” One fan even went on to the extent of saying “They just mad Messi beat France in WC final. That’s the whole reason he’s leaving PSG in the first place.“
This was Messi and PSG’s second successive defeat in the round of 16 of the Champions League. Last year, PSG lost to Real Madrid 3-1 on aggregate despite winning the first leg 1-0. This year, PSG lost to Bayern Munich 3-0 on aggregate, failing to score in either of the legs. While Neymar missed the second leg due to injury, both Messi and Mbappe failed to get on the scoresheet against Bayern.
Not the first time PSG fans turned on Lionel Messi
If the PSG fans decide to whistle at Lionel Messi this Sunday, it won’t be the first time that they turned on the 2022 World Cup winning captain. Last year, after PSG’s loss to Real Madrid, the Paris supporters targeted Messi and Neymar during PSG’s following home game after the Champions League exit. The supporters whistled and jeered at Messi and Neymar every time the pair touched the ball.
Lionel Messi has been booed by rival fans on previous occasions. However, this was the first time that his club’s fans turned on him. Later on, in an interview with TYC Sports, Messi talked about how he was taken aback by the incident. He said, “I didn’t like my family being in the stadium and hearing the PSG fans whistling at me. I didn’t like my children having to go through that.“
Ronaldinho on Messi being whistled by PSG fans:
“I do not understand that. If you whistle Messi, there will be nothing left. If you whistle for the best player in the world, who would you clap for? I don’t understand it.” pic.twitter.com/aIekzGzTZP
— MC (@CrewsMat10) March 30, 2022
Messi continued, “In Barcelona, the fans never whistled at me. When the PSG fans did it, it was something new for me. The whistles of the PSG fans? It is understandable the situation of the people and the anger. Then, whether I agree or not, about the whistles to me and Ney, we were the most pointed out… But well, it happened.” Moreover, this worsening relationship between Messi and the PSG fans may lead to his exit from the club this summer.
‼️ @gerardromero: “As of today, there is a 60% chance [that Messi will return to Barça]” 🇪🇸🗣️
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) March 14, 2023
Messi’s contract at PSG expires this summer, and he is yet to sign a new one. There is the invariable rumor of Messi’s return to FC Barcelona. In addition to this, there are also rumors of Messi’s probable move to Saudi Arabia. Recently, Messi’s father Jorge, who’s also his agent, was spotted in Saudi Arabia.
