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In 2023, Lionel Messi and Vitinha were protagonists in a moment of high tension during a PSG training session. This Sunday, they meet again.
Fate brings Lionel Messi and Vitinha together again this Sunday at 5 PM (GMT) in the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup, a reunion loaded with symbolism.
Inter Miami and PSG will face off, and this clash carries a small story within the story: the tension between the two players when they shared the Parisian locker room in 2023, reports Abola.
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Messi vs Vitinha
As L'Équipe reported at the time, Messi and Vitinha had an altercation during a PSG training session. The Argentine star, visibly dissatisfied after a rough tackle by the Portuguese player, reportedly told him: "Not only are you weak, but you're hurting me."
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The harsh and unexpected words sent shockwaves through the club and beyond, leading to speculation that the midfielder was considering leaving Paris due to the incident.
At the time, Vitinha reacted on social media, denying the rumour. Despite the denial, it was never clear whether Vitinha was denying the incident itself or just the alleged transfer request. Two years later, they meet again on the field... in different circumstances.
Messi, now Inter Miami's biggest star, left Paris with public criticism of the French club, stating in an interview with Apple Music: "These two years in Paris weren't pleasant for me. I wasn't happy day-to-day, with the training sessions, the games... It took me a long time to adapt to all of that."
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Vitinha has become a key player in Luis Enrique's PSG, solidifying his place in the Portuguese national team, with a Nations League title and a UEFA Champions League title on his resume.
The reunion between the two will inevitably be closely watched - if not for a new confrontation, at least for the symbolism of a past that, to this day, continues to generate curiosity.
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