Messi goes straight to the locker room, relationship with Ultras PSG is still hot Page all

KOMPAS.com – There was no special ceremony to honor Lionel Messi’s success in winning the 2022 World Cup in the PSG vs Angers match. Messi’s relationship with PSG ultras is also said to be still hot.

Messi returned to club level competition in the best way possible via the contribution of a goal in Week 18 of the 2022-2023 French League match between PSG vs Angers at the Parc des Princes Stadium, Thursday (12/1/2023) early morning WIB.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won 2-0 thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitike and Lionel Messi.

The party against Angers was special and had seized the spotlight because it was Messi’s first chance to wear a PSG shirt after winning the 2022 World Cup on December 18 with his country, Argentina.

Also read: PSG’s efforts so that Messi does not cheat

However, in the end there was no special ceremony to appreciate Messi’s success in winning the World Cup ahead of the PSG vs Angers match.

Respect for Messi was only done at the club’s internal level, right when he returned to PSG’s training center, Camp de Loges, last January 4.

At that time, Messi was greeted with a living corridor formed by his team-mates. The striker, also known as La Pulga, also received a special plaque from PSG’s technical adviser, Luis Campos.

When he returned to defend PSG in the duel against Angers, Messi received a standing ovation.

Most PSG fans seem to want to continue to appreciate Messi’s success even though there was no official ceremony.

Even so, it was felt that the boisterous support for Messi at the Parc des Princes in the duel against Angers was felt to still not be able to cover the tense relationship between the Argentine superstar and the club’s ultras group.

Also read: FIFA 2022 Best Player Nominee List: Messi Signs, Ronaldo Misses

French media like The team and RMC Sport reported, Messi immediately rushed to the dressing room hallway as soon as the PSG vs Angers duel was over.

He did not join a number of his teammates who applauded the Tribune Auteuil, the seat of PSG ultras, Collectif Ultras Paris (CUP).

“Habits that are no longer in line with ultras,” wrote The team commented on Messi’s decision to go straight to the locker room.

Messi’s hot relationship with PSG ultras actually started from the match against Bordeaux on March 13, 2022.

The party against Bordeaux was only four days away from the moment PSG was eliminated by Real Madrid in the last 16 phase of the 2021-2022 Champions League.

Ultras PSG, CUP, was furious at that time and took out his frustration on a number of the team’s stars, especially Messi and Neymar.

Every time Neymar or Messi touches the ball, a rain of whistles always accompanies it. At that time, the only PSG star to receive applause was Kylian Mbappe.

“Thanks to the fans and congratulations to those who have welcomed him (Messi) like this. Trust me, it pleases him,” said PSG coach, Christophe Galtier, who preferred to highlight the rousing cheers of the fans rather than the moment Messi left the pitch early in the match against Angers.

“Leo is recovering well, he’s had a lot of training sessions with us in recent times. He is calm, lean, very fit from a physical aspect. The team with or without Leo shows a different face,” said Galtier after the game versus Angers.

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