Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico has come to his Argentina teammate Lionel Messi's defense after the PSG ace was jeered by fans in a recent match.
Just days after their disappointing Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid, PSG were greeted with a hostile atmosphere at the Parc des Princes during their Ligue 1 clash with Bordeaux.
Messi, like Neymar, was on the receiving end of boos and whistles, perhaps for his no-show at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He's also endured a rough spell personally, going seven consecutive appearances without a goal, including the Bordeaux victory, where he fired a blank once again.
All this led to an angry response from the fans, who's expectations of him haven't been met yet, with the 34-year-old netting only twice in the French top-flight so far this season.
However, he's received a lot of support lately, and now, his international teammate Tagliafico has also jumped to his defense.
The Ajax defender emphasized that despite one's best efforts, things don't work out for a player sometimes and disapproved of PSG fans' jeers.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said:
"Unfortunately, when the elimination is very recent, the fans hate everything. Unfortunately, they went after Leo. As players, we do everything we can to win and sometimes things just don't work out. I don't agree with what the fans did."
Messi missed their league clash with AS Monaco last weekend with a flu but has been called up to Argentina's squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
PSG winning Ligue 1 despite Messi's poor form
Messi's transfer to PSG hasn't worked out as expected but the side are still sauntering their way to the Ligue 1 title.
Despite a resounding defeat on Sunday, Mauricio Pochettino's side boast a 12-point lead at the top of the table with only nine games remaining.
Their recent form has been patchy, losing each of their last three away matches, but it's hard to see them relinquish such a healthy advantage at this point into their campaign.
The Parisians also have an easy home stretch ahead of themselves, barring the Le Classique with Marseille next month, which is another potential banana skin.
Regardless of Messi's form during this period, PSG could be crowned as the French champions for the tenth time in May.
Kobabcku
0
Barca is doing so well now without the almighty Messi. Haha
so Messi was the problem? you guys a pathetic..
aguero_10
0
how many trophies without Messi , BARCA have this year????
*how many trophies do Barça have without... Prime Ter Stergen & Good coach Not just Messi.
LMLIV
0
I support ur comment 👍👍👍👍
Thank you mate
harsh1988
0
Barca is doing so well now without the almighty Messi. Haha
how many trophies without Messi , BARCA have this year????
harsh1988
0
Barca most likely will be back as a good team . But the point is they will probably never be the Leo of Barca which has nearly perfected football . If it’s wining then RM and ATM also win . What made Barca quite the pinnacle of football is they managed to do what is supposed to be ideal and extremely high level football during 2008- 2012 and Leo from 2006 till this year . That is the point .
I support ur comment 👍👍👍👍
LMLIV
4
Barca is doing so well now without the almighty Messi. Haha
Barca most likely will be back as a good team . But the point is they will probably never be the Leo of Barca which has nearly perfected football . If it’s wining then RM and ATM also win . What made Barca quite the pinnacle of football is they managed to do what is supposed to be ideal and extremely high level football during 2008- 2012 and Leo from 2006 till this year . That is the point .
pibabnoptz
2
Barca is doing so well now without the almighty Messi. Haha