Lionel Messi's former Barcelona teammate Ludovic Guily has claimed that the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward has changed his game because of Kylian Mbappe.
The 34-year-old joined PSG from Barca last summer. Expectations were high when the Argentinian forward arrived in Paris but he has encountered a somewhat difficult start to life in the French capital.
He has scored just three goals in 22 appearances in Ligue 1 for the Parisians and he has been lamented by not only the French media but fans too.
Guily has commented on the veteran forward's situation at PSG, highlighting how the legendary forward has had to adapt to playing alongside Mbappe.
He told French media (via Mirror):
"He (Messi) changed his game because he no longer has the physicality that he did ten years ago. He adapted to Kylian who goes 2000 miles an hour and who is the best player at PSG. It is his intelligence to say to himself: ‘Maybe I won't score 30 goals, but if I make 15 or 20 assists, that's good too.’ Even though I know he would like to be even more decisive.”
He continued:
“Leo has played on his inverted side (a left-footer on the right), as a striker, as number 10, it's up to him to find the right position with the coach (Mauricio Pochettino). He didn't lose his football ability overnight. He was also unlucky this season. Kylian does his job. Messi was already a passer in Barcelona, but he is perhaps even more so here.”
Has criticism over Lionel Messi's first season at PSG been harsh?
When Messi made the move to the Ligue 1 giants last summer, there was a feeling that he was the last piece of the puzzle. He was expected to help the club get their hands on the long-awaited UEFA Champions League trophy this season.
The former Barca forward has found huge success in Europe's elite club competition during his glittering career, having won the trophy four times.
He was time and again Barcelona's main man during his sixteen seasons in Catalonia, scoring a remarkable 672 goals and contributing 303 assists in 778 appearances.
But PSG already have a main man flourishing in the French capital in Kylian Mbappe, who is soaring towards superstardom.
Messi is therefore perhaps playing second-fiddle to Mbappe.
Despite not being the Parisians' main man, the 34-year-old still sits second in the Ligue 1 assists rankings.
Perhaps the Argentinian needed this time to settle into a new environment after having spent his entire career at Barcelona.
Of course, criticism is fair given the extraordinary talents he has shown in La Liga.
But some of the scrutiny that has come Messi's way is somewhat unwarranted given the contributions he is still making.
Next season will give fans a fairer analysis of the legendary forward's role at PSG.
Wezadkstuy
0
It's a big shame for all those giving excuses and backing Messi up because what is needed of him is to proof to the world he merited those ballon d'ors bt no he flops nd gets backed up by useless ex players nd managers of adapting what useless adapting are you guys talking about, CRY first year at Juventus he proved him self nd now in man u at the age of 37 he still does his things
stupid🤣🤣
Mromantic
0
They know more than you. Tell me a coach who would not be desperate for Messi even now. If dembele, grealish, vinicius other players give this more assist or what Messi is giving now they would be considered best. Do you know why I didn't mention any United player because none is even half Messi's level this season. Even your best is always compared to Messi.
[image]
I know his form has been hard on you, don't cry
fichi1999
0
Mbappe scored goals even before Messi's arrival. Stop making excuses. Messi is the goat but he couldn't adapt and that's a fact.
Ronaldo fan
Nikkie001
1
Messi is a flop🤡
you're just dumb
aguero_10
0
Well said Guily
DavidUzi
0
And meanwhile messi football skill is talent not like others who do hard work.
DavidUzi
2
One thing everyone has to know is that PSG already have a goal scorer before messi came, so you don't expect messi to score more goal in psg. All he has to do now is assist and he is doing just fine with it. So please don't say because messi is no more scoring goals that is now losing form.
CristianoArnav
0
yeah flop just tell me dumb ass if ronaldo was playing with mbpe or Neymar will they pass the ball to ronaldo ,no no no they are themselves star players ,so just like that if ronaldo was in this psg team mark my word he will just leave with 0 impact ,
what kind of football you are watching 😂
bodcdenrz
3
one thing we must understand is that messi was betrayed by barca board and was abandoned almost at the beginning of new season, he was not in paris because psg pay and buy him, he was not in paris because he chose to be there, he came to psg under circumstances so don't expect him to fit in fisically and mentally, he is a human and he need one season to come back to normal ok guys, he still the #GOAT
MohitValthati
1
Mbappe scored goals even before Messi's arrival. Stop making excuses. Messi is the goat but he couldn't adapt and that's a fact.
sokaceruyz
1
Messi’s should leave PSG, because. they Don't respect him
yeybcrstyz
0
Now someone speaks who understands the game
LM10_rockstar
0
why will he change his game for Mbappe and Neymar when he is fielded as one of the attacking trident that he has always been used to and not a Midfielder
Because he's not as strong and fast as he used to be. Ligue 1 might be a low ranked league but it's very physical
Ebubechukwu1996
0
🤣😂 Bundesliga is the real Farmer league
Bayern have UCL than your bottle team so UCL is famer😂😂😂
Ebubechukwu1996
0
Villarreal 😂😂😂😂
Frankfurt 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Cediz
reut
0
how like how , stop protecting him ,his a flop
Villarreal 😂😂😂😂
RyænMãqbøølBm
2
13 assist in famer shame[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
🤣😂 Bundesliga is the real Farmer league
Cebbciknoz
2
if u know how to play football then you will never dare to explain about Messi... Messi always remains Messi in our heart...
Ebubechukwu1996
0
flop with 13 or 14 assist 😂😂🖕
13 assist in famer shame[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
irfanspengku
4
Messi is a flop🤡
yeah flop just tell me dumb ass if ronaldo was playing with mbpe or Neymar will they pass the ball to ronaldo ,no no no they are themselves star players ,so just like that if ronaldo was in this psg team mark my word he will just leave with 0 impact ,
Heocesty
4
messi is old don't expect too much from him he can no longer play the way he played when he was younger that's what happens in football you grow older you leave more of the game to the younger ones like mbappe, halland and the rest, make peace with that and stop judging him all the time he's still a legend and will probably never see the likes of him
Olamideey7
0
Messi is a flop🤡
Daabcklpy
0
People just watch the game just for fun or hate. Technically they know nothing about the game. Their eyes just follows the ball without noticing or learning anything. They're divided between HATE AND LOVE so any attempt to explain the fact to them is a waste of time.
Don’t dare mention hate over here you messi fans are trolling Ronaldo for loosing a child and you’re talking about someone hating messi in a game heyo keep quite over there
Subbklptyz
1
It's a big shame for all those giving excuses and backing Messi up because what is needed of him is to proof to the world he merited those ballon d'ors bt no he flops nd gets backed up by useless ex players nd managers of adapting what useless adapting are you guys talking about, CRY first year at Juventus he proved him self nd now in man u at the age of 37 he still does his things
where did he leave juv? it football ⚽ all about scoring goals,less I forget man u, finish last season second without cr7 now with cr7 they fighting for cl place.so what I'm trying to say is this, don't try to succeed by publishing other's.b4 cr7 to juva, they are top team,wins there's league Year in years out.think b4 you say anything about messi.he trying to make others players look better.he knew if he try to the sports light from other's, it will be a problem, it just a simple understand.
janamnsu
2
It's a big shame for all those giving excuses and backing Messi up because what is needed of him is to proof to the world he merited those ballon d'ors bt no he flops nd gets backed up by useless ex players nd managers of adapting what useless adapting are you guys talking about, CRY first year at Juventus he proved him self nd now in man u at the age of 37 he still does his things
Messi proving himself😂😂 Ur very funny Messi doesn't have anything to prove to anyone Wow saying he has to prove why he won all his balon dors Have u been blind all these years don't u watch football Only a person without eyes can say such a thing
Enesi13
1
why will he change his game for Mbappe and Neymar when he is fielded as one of the attacking trident that he has always been used to and not a Midfielder
siybmotuy
1
Another big excuse for Messi a**s lickers
SharkV
1
It took so much time for all to understand how Messi is playing at PSG. He is just trying to make Mbappe and Neymar shine. He is more focused on playmaking than scoring alone.
Aditya_Sahu
0
I've always thought of Messi as the best CAM ever, and if given that role at PSG, he would tear it up. his feet have enough magic to make that role look like child's play
yes
EBILAL
0
People just watch the game just for fun or hate. Technically they know nothing about the game. Their eyes just follows the ball without noticing or learning anything. They're divided between HATE AND LOVE so any attempt to explain the fact to them is a waste of time.
I I swear some of sporters they dont know football you right
Profnick
5
I've always thought of Messi as the best CAM ever, and if given that role at PSG, he would tear it up. his feet have enough magic to make that role look like child's play
rahmsey007
0
It's a big shame for all those giving excuses and backing Messi up because what is needed of him is to proof to the world he merited those ballon d'ors bt no he flops nd gets backed up by useless ex players nd managers of adapting what useless adapting are you guys talking about, CRY first year at Juventus he proved him self nd now in man u at the age of 37 he still does his things
quarks who thinks football is all about scoring goals alone. can Ronaldo do the combination of what Messi does? the answer is no. you are talking of somebody with 7 Balloon D'or here and you think is a joke. I know why you talk like this. I still remember the shaky shaky Sir Farguson because of little Messi😄
Nescdinosu
2
how like how , stop protecting him ,his a flop
like your team. Villarreal says Hi
Nescdinosu
0
Total flop lmao, stop making excuses
They know more than you. Tell me a coach who would not be desperate for Messi even now. If dembele, grealish, vinicius other players give this more assist or what Messi is giving now they would be considered best. Do you know why I didn't mention any United player because none is even half Messi's level this season. Even your best is always compared to Messi.
GRAVITY0307
1
People just watch the game just for fun or hate. Technically they know nothing about the game. Their eyes just follows the ball without noticing or learning anything. They're divided between HATE AND LOVE so any attempt to explain the fact to them is a waste of time.
Nescdinosu
0
The answer is simple, let Mbappe leave and let's see
Let Cr5 leave and see how Man U will rise.
Nescdinosu
0
criticizing Messi indirectly
That is what you see or hear when ever you hear the Name Messi.
Nescdinosu
4
It's a big shame for all those giving excuses and backing Messi up because what is needed of him is to proof to the world he merited those ballon d'ors bt no he flops nd gets backed up by useless ex players nd managers of adapting what useless adapting are you guys talking about, CRY first year at Juventus he proved him self nd now in man u at the age of 37 he still does his things
They know more than you. Tell me a coach who would not be desperate for Messi even now. If dembele, grealish, vinicius other players give this more assist or what Messi is giving now they would be considered best. Do you know why I didn't mention any United player because none is even half Messi's level this season. Even your best is always compared to Messi.
Chorongcomillion
1
It's a big shame for all those giving excuses and backing Messi up because what is needed of him is to proof to the world he merited those ballon d'ors bt no he flops nd gets backed up by useless ex players nd managers of adapting what useless adapting are you guys talking about, CRY first year at Juventus he proved him self nd now in man u at the age of 37 he still does his things
Jozcdpsz
2
criticizing Messi indirectly
Mromantic
1
The answer is simple, let Mbappe leave and let's see
Mromantic
2
Total flop lmao, stop making excuses
babyyoda
1
how like how , stop protecting him ,his a flop
flop with 13 or 14 assist 😂😂🖕
Ebubechukwu1996
2
how like how , stop protecting him ,his a flop
phemoranking
0
he have no choice