Lionel Messi lacks respect — PSG president Al-Khelaifi blasts Ballon d'Or winner

Lionel Messi lacks respect — PSG president Al-Khelaifi blasts Ballon d'Or winner

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 18:00 - 11.01.2024

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has slammed Lionel Messi for showing a lack of respect.

Lionel Messi has been accused by PSG's president of not respecting the club despite spending two years in Paris.

Messi was successful in France, winning the domestic title but he failed to lead PSG to a Champions League trophy, a significant goal for the club's Qatari owners.

Lionel Messi accused of showing PSG no respect

In an interview with ESPN, Messi complained that PSG hadn't done enough to celebrate his World Cup win in Qatar.

“I was the only player of the [squad] that didn’t get a [club] recognition.

Lionel Messi in action for Argentina. (Photo Credit: FIFAWorldcup/X)

“It was understandable... because of us [Argentina], they didn’t retain the World Cup."

In light of those comments, president Nasser Al-Khelaifi accused Messi of not showing PSG enough respect, telling RMC Sport this week: 

"We talk when we are there, not when we are gone. I have great respect for him [Messi] but if someone wants to talk badly about Paris Saint-Germain after [his departure], it’s not good. 

“That's not respect. He's not a bad guy, but I don't like that. It's not just for him, but for everyone.”

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