Lionel Messi Reflects on Time at PSG as He Claims Neighbours Affected His Performances

• Lionel Messi recledted on the unhappiness he experienced when he was at Paris Saint-Germain
• The Argentine forward spent two years in Paris before leaving for Inter Miami in the summer of 2023
• The 36-year-old admitted he struggled to adapt to life at the French capital despite trying his best

Lionel Messi recently rehashed his time at Paris Saint-Germain, as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted he struggled to adapt to life at the French capital.

Messi made a sensational free transfer to PSG in 2021, after Barcelona were unable to renew his contract due to a salary cap.

Despite an emotional exit from the club that nurtured him to become the best footballer on the planet, Messi was forced to quickly move on with his career, albeit in difficult circumstances.

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As he nears a year since leaving PSG, Messi talked openly to ESPN Argentina about the challenges he faced while in Paris.

“It was a tough and difficult change for us,” the former Barcelona man admitted.

“We didn’t expect to have to leave Barcelona, it wasn’t a choice. It was also a life experience. Being in Paris, I experienced the best thing, which is becoming a world champion.”

Messi also narrated how disputes with his neighbours affected his mood on the football pitch at times.

“They would ring the doorbell to tell us to keep the kids quiet at nine or ten at night,” he added “The neighbors were tough, although I don’t hold anything against them. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out as they or I wanted (…) Honestly, it affects my mood a lot, and it shows on the field. In Paris, on a personal level, I wasn’t doing well.”

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Messi’s accolades at PSG

The Argentine spent two seasons at PSG where he won two Ligue 1 titles and the French Super Cup, according to Transfermarkt.

However, in terms of individual performances, Messi was far from his best, only scoring 32 goals in 75 appearances for the French giants. In contrast, He already has 25 goals in 29 appearances for Inter Miami - his current club.

What next for Messi?

Messi is currently off club duty as he continues to train with the Argentina national team in preparation for the Copa America which will be hosted by the United States.

La Albiceleste are the defending champions, having won the continental title in 2021.

Argentina will play a friendly against Guatemala on June 15 before their first group game against Canada on June 21.

Messi wishes to take picture with NBA star

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on Lionel Messi’s wish to meet Michael Jordan.

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Like Messi, Jordan is regarded as the ‘GOAT’ in his respective field.

In his playing days, the former Chicago Bulls star won the NBA six times and was named the NBA’s most valuable player five times.