How PSG Star Lionel Messi Became Argentina Bad Boy at the 2022 World Cup

• Emiliano Martinez has opened up on Lionel Messi's transformation during the 2022 World Cup
• Messi led Argentina to their first World Cup in 33 years after victory in Qatar
• The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner also caused some controversy in the tournament

Aston Villa goalie Emiliano Martinez has revealed how Argentina’s 2022 World Cup winning squad turned Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi into a ‘bad boy.’

Messi evolved into an aggressive player at the tournament in Qatar, and was confrontational in the quarter-final tie against the Netherlands, where he clashed with Dutch manager Louis van Gaal.

According to Goal, Martinez noted that Argentina's style of play is more aggressive than that of Messi's previous teams at the national level, which appears to have influenced his demeanour.

"This World Cup, he was different. We are probably more aggressive than the players in the national teams he's played with before. So he's probably becoming a little more like us - that bad boy."

Who Zinedine Zidane picked between Messi and Ronaldo in GOAT debate

Football

Messi won the ultimate prize in football as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner led his teammates to Argentina’s third World Cup triumph and their first in 33 years.

Messi receives offers from Premier League

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi could end up playing alongside Emiliano Martinez in the English Premier League next season after the Argentina captain received some offers from some top English teams, Barca Universal reports.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is considered a big fan of the seven-time Ballon winner and will want him at Stamford Bridge. At the same time, Newcastle United and Manchester United are also possible destinations for Messi.

Barcelona and Saudi Arabia’s top club Al-Hilal have also publicly stated their intention to sign the 35-year-old forward, who will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.

Messi becomes most decorated player

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Lionel Messi further cemented his legacy as the Greatest Footballer of All Time by becoming the most decorated player in the history of the sport, sharing the record with Dani Alves.

Cristiano Ronaldo appears to unfollow Bernardo Silva after Ballon d'Or comment

Football

Messi equalled Alves's previously held record when he inspired Paris Saint-Germain to a record 11th French title on Saturday, May 27.

In poetic style, the mercurial Argentine playmaker found the back of the net after he was set up by Kylian Mbappe as PSG all but secured the Ligue 1 crown with one match remaining.