Lionel Messi's Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) blew a two-goal lead for the second Ligue 1 game in a row as they were held at home against relegation-threatened Troyes on Sunday.
Marquinhos put the Parisiens ahead early on before Neymar buried a penalty to double the lead midway through the first half.
However, a strike from Ike Ugbo and a Florian Tardieu penalty salvaged an unlikely point for the visitors and condemned PSG to their third consecutive draw.
The VAR denied Neymar a late winner, which was originally given to them by the on-field referee. PSG ultimately couldn't find a way through their opponent's dogged defense, despite the attacking trio of Neymar, Messi and Kylian Mbappe playing the full 90 minutes.
Fans were understandably unimpressed with Mauricio Pochettino's side, with Messi in particular on the receiving end of the criticism.
The Argentine has only scored four times in 24 top-flight appearances for the Ligue 1 champions since his move from Barcelona last summer.
Here's what fans thought of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's impact on the clash:
Messi signing leads to record PSG financial losses
The footballing world was stunned when news broke that the legendary forward was to leave the club he has spent his entire career at, and it appeared clear as to where he would end up next.
Paris Saint-Germain are one of only a handful of clubs who can realistically afford Messi's superstar wages. The Evening Standard reported that Messi will earn €35 million a season after tax while he is playing in the French capital.
According to The Mirror, the Parisiens have posted losses of €224.3 million for the 2020/21 season, with the club losing out on €31 million from their normal ticket revenue due to the pandemic.
At the same time, PSG's wage bill rose to an eye-watering €431 million per year, as Messi was joined last summer by high-profile signings such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Georgino Wijnaldum and Sergio Ramos. The French champions' annual wages are higher than the rest of Ligue 1 combined.
The figures may also cast doubt on the club's ability to keep forward Kylian Mbappe, who is out of contract this summer and has been heavily linked with a blockbuster move to Real Madrid.
CallmeCJ
477
"Should've signed Ronaldo". Maybe he would've helped PSG to struggle to the league title, like he helped to end Juventus' dominance of the Serie A, struggling to qualify for the Champions League and helped Man United from 2nd place the previous season to a disastrous finish this season, which may be a struggling 6th or a possibly deserved 7th.
ORUVAL3
385
Now the debate is laid to rest...we now know who is the BEST and who is the rest...of course CR7
daddyliverpool
296
Messi is a burden to psg both on and off the pitch. On the pitch he does nothing but walking and is a complete mess
jiecinoty
292
much as Messi is loved by many, it's obvious and in synch when fans passed him a vote if no confidence. Labeling Messi a system player highlighted the much debated supremacy between Messi 10 & CR7; his performance at PSG gives credence to his being a system player! I always believed Messi is a man of destiny, who rides on fans, journalist and coaches love for too long; no wonder a top notch retired player Kaka admitted he loves Messi ingenuity, but he would rather preferred a CR7 in his line up to Messi. CR7 has traversed the top 5 Leagues triumphing anywhere he goes; Messi leaving Barca and performing below par at a star-studded side like PSG means CR7 is eternally greater than Messi. If CR7 were to play alongside a star-studded side like PSG can only means one thing; either to play UCL final or wins UCL. Love him or hate him, CR7 is a much goalgetter compared to Messi.
Lizdlmpru
274
Useless comment. So it took the love of fans, coaches and journalist to win all his golden boot, to become all time top scorer in Spain, it took the love of fans, journalist and coaches for him (Messi) to be come second all time scorer in the world. No matter how you love or hate always make use of your brain when commenting in a public platform such as ALLFOOTBALL.
Nicholas47
118
For me the GOAT is which one you admire and enjoy watching according to there style of play and personality. There many stats that prove CR7 is way better than Messi and there are many stats that prove Messi is way better than CR7. For me even if Messi had 600 goals and CR7 only 100 goals to his name I'll still go CR7 cause I like his style of play and character on the pitch, same applies to Messi fans no matter what stats of CR7 we show you, it'll never drag you to like CR7. For me playing in 4 top leagues and achieving something on the way is more than enough to prove that he is one of the best if not the best to ever kick the ball. Both came from different planets no wonder no player is comes close when comparing stats . GOAT is who you choose and not what other fans want you to declare. Cherish them both if not don't hate the other
JoyNg
85
Just give my man Cleansheet D'or😂😂😂
walinton
8
"Should've signed Ronaldo". Maybe he would've helped PSG to struggle to the league title, like he helped to end Juventus' dominance of the Serie A, struggling to qualify for the Champions League and helped Man United from 2nd place the previous season to a disastrous finish this season, which may be a struggling 6th or a possibly deserved 7th.
Pained..... CR isn't in Juventus now so what's Juve's future like? truth is bitter CR did all he could for Juve both in the league and champions league before he left... What has Messi done for PSG ? mind you CR performed way better @34.. if Messi could be this weak at 34 , it simply tell what would happen if he turns 37.. 🤣🤣🤣🤣