The career of one of the best players in football history looks rather contrary this season. Messi had to leave Barcelona in the summer, and the variant with PSG looked great, at least on paper.
However, the arrival in Paris brought plenty of problems for both sides. With Neymar and Mbappe in the squad, Paris Saint-Germain received one more player to the squad that is quite passive in defensive work. At the same time, the Red-and-Blues haven’t gotten an undeniable acceleration for their attack, as now Angel Di Maria and Mauro Icardi (both Argentinians) receive much less time to show their high class. Do you want more interesting stories about football? Go to the best football portal in India and subscribe for news updates.
Of course, the bosses of the Parisians couldn’t fail with the signing of the superstar when Lionel became available for the transfer. As their main target remains the victory in the Champions League, they expected Messi to become the last piece of the puzzle. However, weakened defensive work after the arrival of Messi was one more time confirmed at Santiago Bernabeu, where Real Madrid came back, losing 0-2 on aggregate but going to the quarterfinals after Benzema’s hat-trick.
For Messi, this move wasn’t also profitable. Of course, his salary is still at the top, but he looks like the fish out of water in Paris. The local press is much more concerned with Mbappe’s contract, and even Neymar is a more discussed figure in France. Finally, Lionel has gotten less pressure, but now he doesn’t look happier. By the way, if you are a die-hard fan and bet on sports, we recommend you to visit the football betting sites in India and benefit from one of the trusted bookmakers.
The return to Barcelona will always be a variant for the Argentinian genius, but does Xavi’s young team need Leo back? A young and fresh attack looks excellent even with Aubameyang and Luuk De Jong, while Ferran Torres and Adama Traore added much more pressing and counter-pressing abilities for it. Messi’s return cannot be the trick like with Dani Alves, as the Brazilian earns a symbolic salary, while Lionel will likely ask much more.
The most likely now look two variants. The first one is to stay in Paris for one more season and try to win the Champions League. It should give Messi one more chance to compete for another Ballon d’Or (or the UCL doesn’t matter?). On the other hand, Lionel can think about moving to the US, where he can get a good salary and play as he likes. Of course, Xavi will always talk about his former partner with great respect, but reviving Barca hardly needs an aged superstar that can ruin the modern game’s principles and Xavi’s authority.
