Lionel Messi is 34-years-old, and at Paris Saint-Germain, the veteran attacker hasn’t put together the magical performances he was known for during his time with FC Barcelona. Plenty of pundits in the French media have been critical of Messi for not being the Messi they saw with the Spanish club.
After his penalty kick miss last week against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg, the Argentine got his first taste of how the criticism in France can be to footballers.
Former Argentine player Mario Alberto Kempes spoke with Egyptian Channel One (via AS) about the ongoing issues Messi has faced in adapting to a new environment and French football.
Kempes added that Messi has lost that brilliance since departing Barcelona that made him a generational talent.
“Messi’s departure from Barcelona harmed both parties. Barcelona lost Messi, and that clearly affected the team’s results. Messi also lost part of his brilliance and his level by moving to Paris Saint-Germain,” Kempes said.
The Argentine will hope to have that “brilliance” back in his play when PSG travels to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for the return leg against Real Madrid.
