Lionel Messi hasn’t missed an opportunity to take a dig at Paris Saint-Germain since leaving the capital club last summer. The Argentine’s contract expired, allowing him to become a free agent and eventually joining Inter Miami.
Messi has opened up countless times about his experience at PSG, noting issues he had in the French capital. Club president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi recently appeared on Rothen s’enflamme and spoke about the Argentine’s digs at the club.
“I have great respect for him, but if someone wants to speak badly about PSG after his departure, that’s not good,” Al-Khelaïfi said. “That’s not what respect is. He’s not a bad guy, but I don’t like it. I’m going to say it’s not just for him, but it’s for everyone. We talk when we’re here, not when we’re gone.”
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi on Leo Messi: “I have great respect for him but if someone wants to speak badly about PSG after his departure, that’s not good. That’s not what respect is. He’s not a bad guy but I don’t like it. I’m going to say, it’s not just for him but it’s for everyone. We… pic.twitter.com/XsjWRZMPoG
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) January 9, 2024
The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner didn’t leave on the best terms, considering supporters protested his exit. Additionally, arriving at PSG probably wasn’t in his plans, but FC Barcelona’s financial situation forced him out.
Additionally, to prepare for the World Cup in Qatar, PSG was one of the few options that allowed him to play in a competitive league and Champions League to prepare for the tournament.
It felt like a transactional relationship since the Parisians secured sponsorships that likely helped in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic and Messi prepped for the World Cup.