Speaking earlier this week, Lionel Messi sparked debate among football fans – especially those that support Paris Saint-Germain – after he claimed that he did not receive any recognition from the French champions after helping Argentina win the World Cup last year.
Messi felt that he was the only player in the Argentine squad that did not receive any kind of recognition from their respective clubs, which infuriated the former Barcelona forward, now at MLS side Inter Miami.
PSG Chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi has now responded to Messi’s claims. As per RMC Sport, he remarked that the club did recognise Messi on multiple occasions.
“As everyone saw, because we even published a video, we celebrated Messi in training, and we also celebrated him in private.
“But with respect, we are a French club. It was of course sensitive to celebrate at the stadium. We must respect the country he defeated, his teammates on the France team, and our supporters too.”
It’s unclear whether Messi will refute al-Khelaifi’s claims, although it’s not a matter that he is likely to take further. The 36-year-old appears keen to move on from his time at PSG.
Yoyelnoprt
980
If France win they will forget Messi and celebrate like PSG won the champions league.The way they treat Messi at the last period before his move MLS was very bad.people can say Messi is a cry baby if they want.because they don't know what is like to win a World cup.And the french people the don't know how to accept the defeat.All the world cups are not for France.wake up people.there are lot of countries who has potential to win world cup.what will you do if Portugal or any other country beat France again in the next 2026 World cup.So accept the truth.
ishti
676
The one thing PSG waited to celebrate didn't arrive
cokkostz
634
you public the video in training,why you can't show it your stadium during the match, PSG lack respect just don't find any excuses
gentlesoulnw
522
this messi is cry baby. what else do you want????
Faith4barca
516
They will never recognize him because he did it against France 🇫🇷 and we all know who rules PSG.
BLACOLOGY342
425
Recognition or no Recognition, Messi is Messi and Argentine remains World Champion. We wait for next edition.
Cesc154
413
We will always celebrate him the living Legend
Harshit1
333
The Problem Was that the People Hated him because he beat France in the final.
vuademsy
323
I think celebrating Messi on the stadium would have shown more respect from the club. When showing respect, show it to the fullest and not halfway. He deserves the club going all out for him.
Footballking26
258
Small club with small mindset😂🤣, the thing is that they can't accept defeat, that why they never win big trophy
Allutfy
245
he is right here! it's not easy for France family and Messi should have understand that.
HForca
231
In sportsmanship we did not look it this way. You mean France as a country Messi defeated to claim the world 🌎 cup will fight against Paris if your club recognized Messi as the world cup winner? Following your statement it means nothing took place as recognizing Messi because you're playing your football trade in the country. Can you for any reason explain if Mbappe won the world cup against Messi Argentina will not be recognized?. We don't support your statement. players has to be motivated. No one will punish or go against you recognizing Messi for a trophy 🏆 won. All you said here is politic. I observed that. Since your realized Messi will not extend his stay in Paris you never care to motivate encourage him and this call for politics in football ⚽.
TB28
164
What does it even mean- “But with respect, we are a French club. It was of course sensitive to celebrate at the stadium. We must respect the country he defeated, his teammates on the France team, and our supporters too.” It was not a war for French to have disgruntle as Messi won the professional and competitive football. Beyond any animosity reported, the young man - Mbappe- displayed remarkable solo performance which was the best of any individual player in the tournament yet he showed the courage and maturity to accept the defeat in humble way and congratulate Messi and the Argentine team. Though it was shadowed by Martinez disrespectful celebration, but French team were respectful in their defeat. Why PSG owner needs to patronise. Is he saying that French are not good enough to accept defeat in professional game and give require respect to the opponent?
Jaaabcdltz
124
Al Khalifa is 💯 right. The club celebrated with Messi both in private and in training, and Messi cannot argue the fact. And he should know he was playing in the best team in France and he defeated that same country where some of her best players are playing with him in the same team. Absolute caution should be used to celebrate and of course they did celebrate. Messi should be considerate, no where he should get better than this on the planet. Consider that Messi were playing in a Brazilian team and he defeated Brazil in the final of the World Cup, what celebration should he expect from the club? Nothing of course, he knows better. So he should praise and appreciate PSG and Khelifa for all they have done for him. I am Mess's fan and also PSG's fan, but the truth is better. God bless Al Khelifa, God bless Messi, God bless PSG, and God bless us all too.
Bobclmsuz
11
this messi is cry baby. what else do you want????
😂😂😂Yep this dude is definitely a Ronaldo fan cause everyone knows the biggest crybaby in football is Ronaldo.N before u say anything yes I am a Ronaldo fan tyvm 🤣🤣🤣
Agbaman
11
this messi is cry baby. what else do you want????
A camel once said the one who wins an international trophy for his country is the real hero so why won’t he feel like an hero for winning a World Cup whereas the camel only won just ordinary euros 😂😂😂😂😂💔💔
fortunate0001
9
this messi is cry baby. what else do you want????
If France had defeated Argentina, wouldn’t they have celebrated it while Messi was on the pitch? Stop hating blindly and have some senses.
PUTA_PSG
8
this messi is cry baby. what else do you want????
Do you want to see cry baby interview check camel interview with piers Morgan 😂