Barcelona fans chanted for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi after their team crashed out of the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League group stages, according to Mirror.
The Blaugrana failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League knockout stages following Inter Milan's 4-0 home win over Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday (October 26). Subsequently, the Xavi Hernandez-coached outfit lost 3-0 to Group C leaders Bayern Munich at Camp Nou.
After Sadio Mane opened the scoring in the 10th minute, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting doubled the lead for the visitors in the 31st minute. Benjamin Pavard added to their agony with an injury-time goal.
Messi, 35, left the Catalan giants last summer after they were unable to extend his contract due to financial problems. He joined the Parisians on a free transfer and penned a two-year deal with an option to extend by another year.
With his current contract at PSG set to expire next summer, the left-footed forward has been linked with a return to Camp Nou. The top brass at Barcelona are in agreement over their stance on re-signing the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner next summer, as per SPORT.
Under new PSG manager Christophe Galtier, the attacker has been in explosive form this season. He has netted 11 goals and contributed 12 assists in 16 appearances across all competitions.
The Blaugrana, on the other hand, roped in eight new players for a combined sum of over €150 million during the summer transfer window. The club signed the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso.
Barcelona are scheduled to end their UEFA Champions League campaign with a final trip to Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday (November 1).
Fabrizio Romano provides update on PSG star Lionel Messi amid Barcelona links
In his column for Caught Offside (via Le10Sport), transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shed light on Lionel Messi's contract situation. He wrote:
"The rumors about Lionel Messi continue, but as I have mentioned many times, he will not decide his future until 2023. He plans to speak with his family, his lawyers and everyone around him. He is not negotiating with Barcelona, nor with PSG for a new contract."
Romano clarified that the player is not interested in holding talks about his future until after the end of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He added:
Pikin90
92
Messi is a team player, he does not want to make decision until he has talked with the necessary persons. He believes life is not all about himself, he is always considering others. Selfless Maestro
Football⚽/Fan
43
🚨 Lionel Messi never let Barcelona drop into the Europa League. ❌ 03/04 ✅ 04/05 < Messi Debut ✅ 05/06 ✅ 06/07 ✅ 07/08 ✅ 08/09 ✅ 09/10 ✅ 10/11 ✅ 11/12 ✅ 12/13 ✅ 13/14 ✅ 14/15 ✅ 15/16 ✅ 16/17 ✅ 17/18 ✅ 18/19 ✅ 19/20 ✅ 20/21 < Messi Departure ❌ 21/22 ❌ 22/23
Football⚽/Fan
36
Messi Carried Bercelona Many Times,, But because of this Defense & goalkeeper mistakes Messi Lost so many tournaments... Carrying Bercelona most difficult job in the universe - ask Lewandowski, gavi, pedri and young players...
RIM1977
30
I am not saying that Messi could have continued at Barca for ever but they wasted at least 3 good years of his service. Laporta did great politics with Pique who is more a manipulator than a footballer now a days. Pique cunningly extended his contract at the expense of Messi. They could have offloaded Sergi Roberto , Alba and Pique to keep Messi. He is still making difference and improving others play at PSG. He could have done better with a team of new bloods at Barca. Entirely personal opinion though..
caspaclinton
19
Calm down. what he did. nothing apart from that one game they win against Bayern. . since 2016 Messi got Humiliated and bottled in ucl with Barca. and bayern always trash him too. don't forget 8-2.
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it's now clear he was really carrying Barca. in 2019 he carried them to the league title almost single handedly carried them to the ucl semi final. he did so much but because football is a team sport when the others failed to produce and Barca lost. all the blame is put on Messi. people are so short sighted.
Nuadeklpsy
10
Messi Carried Bercelona Many Times,, But because of this Defense & goalkeeper mistakes Messi Lost so many tournaments... Carrying Bercelona most difficult job in the universe - ask Lewandowski, gavi, pedri and young players...
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don't mind them 😂😂
zebaeknopu
10
I pray Messi doesn't go back to Barca. He was mercilessly humiliated out and will be further rolled in the mud if he goes back.