Lionel Messi: PSG Chief Al Khelaifi Explains Why Argentina Star Didn’t Receive World Cup Celebration

• Lionel Messi led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy in Qatar
• He returned to his club, Paris Saint-Germain to no special recognition
• PSG president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi has explained the lack of ceremony

Lionel Messi led Argentina to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph, beating France in the final, but received no special recognition at the club on his return.

Argentina overcame an opening game setback against Saudi Arabia and went all the way to beat Les Bleus on penalties after a 3-3 draw over 120 minutes.

Though Messi was given a guard of honour on his return to training and was presented with a small plaque, the club did not celebrate his achievements any further.

Per Goal, he claimed he deserved more and hit out at the club as the only world champion to not receive a proper celebration, unlike his Argentina teammates.

Alejandro Garnacho discloses his tunnel talk that inspired Man Utd’s comeback win over Aston Villa

Football

Khelaifi explains Messi’s celebration snub

PSG president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, speaking in an interview with RMC Sport, has finally explained why the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner did not get an extended party.

"We did not celebrate Messi because he won the World Cup against France, and he won it against Kylian; and because we are also a French club, so we did not celebrate him so that the fans would not whistle at him," he said.

The Ligue 1 giants were in contract talks with the former Barcelona captain before the Mundial, but talks collapsed, seeing Messi leave the club at the expiration of his previous deal in July.

Despite multiple offers from Europe and Saudi Arabia, the Argentine veteran joined MLS franchise Inter Miami, co-owned by Manchester United legend, David Beckham.

Exciting news! We have a WhatsApp channel 🤩

➡️ Click to join our channel for all your favourite sports news.

FC Barcelona gives Vitor Roque wild welcome as Catalan club build excitement for Tigrinho's arrival

Football

Mbappe slams France over Messi 'disrespect'

Sports Brief previously reported on Kylian Mbappe slamming France over Messi’s treatment during his two-year stay in the country’s capital.

The Frenchman hailed the Argentine as one of the world's best, saying he deserved all the respect but did not get that during his time in France.

Neymar Jr received similar treatment during his time with the Parisians before he left in the summer in a transfer to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.