The 2022-23 form of Lionel Messi proves that last season was a fluke, as the Argentine is showing the past form he possessed while with FC Barcelona.
During the 2021-22 season, the 35-year-old dealt with his departure from the Spanish club, traveling between Argentina and Paris for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and adjusting to a new country and league.
As a result, PSG didn’t see the best of Messi in year one. In an interview with Le Parisien, former capital club midfielder Javier Pastore explained what has led to his compatriot having a successful second season in Paris.
“Yes, he takes pleasure; he gives pleasure to all the fans, to the public in the stadiums,” Pastore told the French publication. “His combinations with Mbappé and Neymar are incredible. He needed time; he needed to feel important. With the sequence of international matches and his trips to Argentina, it was hard to fully adapt.
“Now, we see that he is at 100 percent of his qualities. There is no mystery. He needed to find his place (…) I hope he will continue like this all season, have a great World Cup and a great season in Paris. I have always remained a supporter of PSG and I am happy to see him at this level, of course.”
Messi reverting to his Barcelona has the French giants planning for an extension since the veteran forward’s deal expires in June 2023. However, with the chemistry alongside Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, it appears PSG wants this trio to continue playing together.
The Argentine won’t decide on his future after the World Cup, but it might be possible to see Messi and his family extend their stay in the French capital.
