Messi and PSG, story of a marriage of convenience

This is an incomplete story. There is no happy ending. The season is almost over Messi preparing his farewell after two years of comfort at PSG. End a short, cautious and probably frustrating period for both parties, marked by a blockade in the Champions League. After all, Qatar expected something different and of course the Argentine star, unhappy with the project, the leadership and the general lack of love.

It was less than two years ago that morning Messi He arrived at Le Bourget airport, north of the capital, still reeling from his sudden farewell to Barcelona. The number of PSG fans who can’t believe that the best player in history will wear his shirt is impatiently waiting for him. Happy with the reception, the Argentine international confessed to his team that he was surprised.

However, getting used to the new was not easy. Leaving his refuge in Castelldefels was a severe blow, especially since he had to exchange it for a central Paris hotel, near the Arc de Triomphe. Within three months Messi He went from the family suite to his children’s school and then to training at the Camp des Loges, a heavy task that conditioned his sporting performance at PSG, often irregularly.

Messi He did not come to make much of life on the streets of the French capital. His social life is limited to family dinners and being with teammates. In his first year, surrounded by some compatriots such as Walls either Mary said. In the second, with accomplices such as Verratti either neymar, his two best friends at PSG. An environment where he felt comfortable, despite understanding -without wanting to change it- that in the locker room the most powerful voice was always that of mbappe.

Adapting to France, to the league and to the routine, was difficult. Eleven goals and fourteen assists in his first season are in the background after the Champions League elimination at the Santiago Bernabéu. For LeoAs for the others, it’s a test that will have to endure the wrath of the fans until the summer. PSG seems to be doing a good job of being more competitive in Europe, but Bayern once again disappointed their expectations.

It’s not all bad either. In his two years at the club, he won two league titles, a French Super Cup and a Ballon d’Or. This season, decorated with twenty-one goals and twenty assists, he is grouped as one of PSG’s best players. Although for Rosario the important thing is undoubtedly the World Cup. In Qatar he ended a remarkable career after a thrilling victory in the final against France in mbappe.

An indisputable success that also broke the relationship between Messi and the Paris fans, who criticized him for not doing at PSG the way he did at Argentina. It was very important that after that victory he did not receive an award at the Parque de los Príncipes, but the club understood that in these situations prudence is the best travel companion. Not exposing the player to whistling a sector of the stands is the smartest thing to do. AND Messi I accept it.

After the Champions League elimination against Bayern, everything went from bad to worse. People’s frustration points to some important football players and Messi he did not survive the battle. They whistled and insulted the attacker, something completely new for a player used to the love of the Camp Nou. Despite the fact that during the World Cup everything was almost tied to extending his commitment to PSG, the lack of love also played against him.

The relationship between both parties is based on respect and professionalism but not collusion. The sanction imposed by PSG after his escape to Arabia will be decisive in judging his continuation. SA Messi He was surprised by the drastic decision taken by the club, which looked the other way in other equally blatant cases. This is, for the Argentine, the definitive confirmation that it is not worth prolonging a deteriorating relationship.

But as at every end of the cycle, they both decided to stick with the good. PSG has multiplied its brand value thanks to Messi, an undeniable commercial attraction. And the Argentine international capitalized on his experience in France with the success of his life. Tonight they play their last game at the Parc des Princes against Clermont. He left quietly, with the utmost discretion, knowing that what had happened in Paris was a marriage of convenience.