FC Barcelona opted to close the Lionel Messi chapter of the club’s history in 2021. The Argentine left in tears and signed a two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain.
It’s been over a year since the departure of the veteran forward and the Spanish club has participated in two UEFA Champions League tournaments without Messi and both Barcelona have failed to get out of the group stage.
After Inter Milan secured a 4-0 win against FC Viktoria Plzeň on Wednesday, it solidified Barcelona’s place in the UEFA Europa League. Additionally, FC Bayern Munich had a 3-0 convincing win over the Catalan club to add salt to the would.
In Argentina, DirecTV Sports’ Pablo Giralt couldn’t help but point out Barcelona’s disastrous two seasons in the Champions League without Messi.
“Barcelona out of the Champions League,” Giralt said. “Two seasons without Messi, two seasons out in group stage. Tremendous.
“It has no finish. This story is like that. Without Messi, there is no Champions League. A historic mistake was made by Barca after having Messi still playing as he does at PSG and letting him go.”
The Messi connection to Barcelona wouldn’t be as prominent if the PSG star replicated his first season in the French capital.
However, Messi is back to playing at a high level many expect from him. The former Barcelona forward has 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season, so Messi’s success at PSG isn’t helping matters at the La Liga club.