NAfter the repeated whistles from PSG fans against Lionel Messi, coach Christophe Galtier defended the 35-year-old football world champion. The reaction of the fans was very hard, said the Paris Saint-Germain coach. “Leo is a player who gives us a lot.”
Obviously, not all of the supporters of the sporting ailing French champions see it that way. Even before Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at the Parc des Princes against Olympique Lyon, Messi was whistled at the performance.
“Sign of Doom”
“Messi, the magic flies,” headlined the newspaper “Le Parisien”. Celebrated in Argentina, the seven-time world footballer let the public shudder in the Prinzenpark, it was said with a view to the South American’s performance in the 0-1 draw against Lyon. “Symbol of doom,” wrote “L’Équipe” and cited Messi’s 26 turnovers as proof: “His end of the season seems to be a long cross.”
And a future at PSG, who are just six points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and have suffered eight defeats in all competitions this year alone, is becoming increasingly difficult to imagine beyond this season.
Messi’s contract is up
Messi has still not commented on his further career plans. His contract with the Paris star ensemble, which he was supposed to have helped win the Champions League for the first time, ends in the summer. The fans mainly blame him for the loss in the master class, Messi and his teammates failed at FC Bayern in the round of 16.
Messi could move on a free transfer in the summer. FC Barcelona, whom he had to leave in tears almost two years ago after more than two decades because the heavily indebted club lacked the financial means, has already confirmed contact with the Messi camp for a possible return. An offer from Saudi Arabia and the massive interest from American Major League Soccer are also repeatedly rumored.
“The whistles don’t help,” said former professional Thierry Henry to the French media on the sidelines of the Lyon game: “We’re still talking about the best in the world.” The former Messi teammate therefore also wants the Argentine to return to the former joint employer Barcelona FC.
