Messi: PSG have no reason to envy the historically big clubs

Lionel Messi says that Paris Saint-Germain have no reason to envy the historically big clubs, with many critics of the Qatari project having made the claim that the Parisian side have little history and that their all-star line-up of expensive talent cannot compete with the grandeur of clubs built upon the more traditional foundations of historic success and popularity.

Those same naysayers tend to argue that the French club will take time to be on their level and certainly cannot claim to be in that conversation until they have at least won a Champions League.

For Messi, however, PSG have nothing to envy other clubs and have already established themselves among the giants of the game.

Speaking to the club's official magazine, the Argentine star opened up on his impressions of his new club and how he is finding life in Paris so far.

"PSG is a club which is growing, which has ambition and is keen to keep growing," said Messi.

"There is room for growth and the power to do so.

"[PSG] are among the biggest clubs in the world and keep developing and becoming bigger, they have no reason to envy the historically big clubs."

Champions League hopes

The Champions League is the top priority for the Parisian team, with many saying at the start of the season that with their squad anything less would be a failure, and the 34-year-old is aware of the expectations but also knows full well how hard it is to lift the trophy.

"Winning the Champions League is difficult. It's where the best [teams and players] compete; the slightest detail can eliminate you," explained Messi.

"Big clubs and teams are in the mix. We have the team to give it a go. We're excited and keen to achieve it, but we have to remain calm.

"In the Champions League the best team doesn't always win, and you have to pay attention to all the details; the strong teams are the ones who meet their targets."

Messi's PSG teammates

Much has been speculated about whether or not Messi is enjoying life in Paris and, by his own standards, a return of seven goals and nine assists from his 22 PSG appearances is a little underwhelming. He insists, though, that he is happy and enjoying playing alongside top players.

"I knew Neymar and Angel Di Maria before. Kylian Mbappe I didn't know, but we're getting to know each other much more on the pitch to try to combine better, to see how we feel comfortable with each other," stated Messi.

"I was lucky enough to play with the best at Barcelona and now at PSG as well.

"I'm happy and looking forward to continuing to do so."