Lionel Messi’s Difficult Time at PSG: Feeling of Being Protected by Kylian Mbappe

It has been suggested that Lionel Messi believed Kylian Mbappe was shielded by PSG during his challenging tenure in Paris. An insider close to Messi claimed that the 38-year-old football star found life in the French capital tough, contrasting his experience in Paris with his former dominance at Barcelona where he was regarded as a ‘God’.

Messi’s arrival at PSG in 2021 was seen as a major achievement for the club aiming to establish itself as Europe’s top team. He formed a formidable attacking trio with Neymar and Mbappe, but the partnership struggled to click on the pitch. Despite winning Ligue 1 titles in both seasons, Messi reportedly faced difficulties adjusting to PSG’s environment, feeling overshadowed and unappreciated, particularly regarding his World Cup triumphs.

The situation reportedly worsened due to internal rivalries, with Messi reportedly caught in the middle of ongoing conflicts between Neymar and Mbappe. It was alleged that the club favored Mbappe, neglecting Messi’s contributions and achievements, further souring his experience in Paris.

One pivotal moment that epitomized Messi’s frustrations occurred in May 2023 when he was suspended for two weeks after unauthorized travel to Saudi Arabia—an incident that wasn’t approved by PSG’s then-manager Christophe Galtier. After serving the suspension, Messi chose to leave PSG at the end of that season to join MLS side Inter Miami.

Following his departure, PSG saw the exits of Mbappe, who transferred to Real Madrid, and Neymar, who returned to Santos after a stint at Al-Hilal. Nevertheless, PSG clinched last season’s Champions League title under Spanish manager Luis Enrique, beating Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, and finally Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.

Messi might face PSG again soon, as his new club, Inter Miami, is set to compete against PSG in the last-16 of the Club World Cup.