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Former PSG sporting director Leonardo opened up on Lionel Messi’s time in France.
Lionel Messi had a tough time in France with PSG.(AFP)
Messi’s arrival in France noticed him be a part of Kylian Mbappe and former Barcelona teammate Neymar. The trio have been anticipated to steer PSG to the Champions League title, however their mixture did not actually work out. The Argentine did assist PSG clinch back-to-back Ligue 1 titles. But within the Champions League, he did not take them previous the Round of 16.
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In his remaining season, Messi was booed by PSG followers. Leonardo, who served as PSG’s sporting director from 2019 to 2022, opened up about Messi’s stint. Speaking to RMC Sport, he stated, “Messi wanted to stay at Barça, but from the moment Barcelona couldn’t keep him, PSG was the first choice. After that, there was a lot of misunderstanding. It was difficult for him. He had been in the same place for 20 years, and then you moved. Saying he wasn’t happy is a way of defending himself. There was the elimination at Real Madrid [in the 2021-22 Champions League]; it was complicated.”
Leonardo isn’t the primary individual to talk about Messi’s time with PSG. Recently, even former PSG midfielder Rafinha dissected Messi’s time in France. Speaking on a podcast, he stated, “During pre-season, in the first training session where everyone was present, I said, ‘This can’t possibly work’. Let’s start with the goalkeeper: Keylor Navas or Donnarumma. Whoever doesn’t play will be furious. There will be arguments, discussions with the coach. “In defence: Marquinhos, the starter, nobody will exchange him, [Presnel] Kimpembe, PSG idol, and Sergio Ramos. The three finest full-backs for every.”
“In the attack, [Angel] Di María, Mbappe, Neymar, and Messi. Who do you take off? Di María, for his weight within the team, and even then, he’s not a player you can take off. It can’t work. For a coach, it’s impossible. They were the best team in the world in terms of players, names, but at the same time, difficult to manage. I wasn’t playing, so I was watching,” he added.
With Inter Miami, Messi gained the MLS Supporters’ Shield final 12 months. Currently, Miami are eyeing to win its maiden MLS Cup title. Messi was the highest scorer within the common season this 12 months with 34 objectives. He lately additionally signed a brand new contract with the membership, which runs until 2028.
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