PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi blasts Lionel Messi’s FIFA World Cup claims

Lionel Messi just lately revealed that he was not recognised by his former aspect Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for profitable the FIFA World Cup trophy in Qatar final 12 months. The revelation was fairly stunning because it showcased the ruptured relationship between Messi and the PSG group administration. Needless to say, the accusation didn’t go down effectively with PSG officers and membership chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi has now lashed out on the Argentine celebrity. While speaking to RMC Sport, he categorically refuted Messi’s claims.

Argentina's Lionel Messi and teammates celebrate with their families and World Cup trophies (FILE)(REUTERS)
Argentina’s Lionel Messi and teammates rejoice with their households and World Cup trophies (FILE)(REUTERS)

“As everyone saw, because we even published a video, we celebrated Messi in training, and we also celebrated him in private. But with respect, we are a French club. It was of course sensitive to celebrate at the stadium. We must respect the country he defeated, his teammates on the France team, and our supporters too,” the PSG chairman stated, as per Football Espana.

Lionel Messi-led Argentina have been up in opposition to the French soccer group, that includes PSG star Kylian Mbappe, in final 12 months’s World Cup ultimate. Argentina prevailed over Les Bleus within the tie-breaker to change into world champions in Qatar. While reflecting on his FIFA World Cup 2023 triumph, the previous Barcelona footballer advised ESPN, “I used to be the one participant of the 25 that did not get a [club] recognition. It was comprehensible … due to us [Argentina], they [France] did not retain the World Cup.”

Messi did manage to win trophies during his two-year stint at PSG but his relationship with the French giants never appeared to be quite smooth. In May this year, he was even suspended by PSG for two weeks for taking an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia.

Messi netted 32 goals in 75 appearances during his association with PSG. Despite his on-field brilliance, the 36-year-old could not guide PSG to the much-coveted Champions League title. His contract with PSG came to an end earlier this year in June.

When asked if he would have wanted not to move to the French capital, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner said, “It happened like that. It was not what I expected, but I always say things happen for a reason. Even if I wasn’t well there, it happened that I was world champion while I was there.”

Having capped off a two-year spell at PSG, Messi moved to the Major League Soccer (MLS) aspect Inter Miami through the summer season switch window. Messi has been in stellar type in Inter Miami and he has already guided the Herons to their maiden Leagues Cup title this season. Messi has up to now scored 11 objectives having performed in 12 matches for Inter Miami.

Source web site: www.hindustantimes.com

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