Nicolas Anelka Hits Out at Legendary Lionel Messi Over His Slow Start to Life at Paris Saint-Germain

• Nicholas Anelka has disclosed that as much as Lionel Messi is a great player, the Argentine is not so extraordinary
• Anelka who also played at French club PSG during his active days has slammed the former Barcelona captain
• The Frenchman backed Brazilian superstar Neymar to bounce back to his impressive form despite managing just one goal so far this season

Former Chelsea and Arsenal striker Nicholas Anelka has hit out at Argentine legend Lionel Messi who is yet to replicate his Barcelona form since joining Paris-Saint-Germain, GiveMeSport reports.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to score in the Ligue 1 and Anelka has disclosed that afterall the former Barcelona captain is not so extraordinary.

The Frenchman who had two spells at the Parisian club criticised Messi in his comments against the superstar.

Anelka told RMC via Daily Mail:

“Today we demand from Neymar, but we can do the same with Messi. Since the beginning of the season it is not extraordinary either. There is a player who has six Ballon d'Ors and finally is not so extraordinary.”

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And Messi’s teammate, Neymar, who has not been too consistent, has only managed one goal in six matches.

But Anelka backed the Brazilian to overcome the trying period and return to his blistering form for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

Anelka continued:

“He is going through a difficult moment. If the coach thinks he has to play to regain his level, he makes him play. Putting it aside or replacing it to break their morale is not going to fix things.

“In addition, he has a great salary, he is a star of French and world football. He is one of the best players in the league, although right now he is fighting to show it.

“He can do nothing, as afterwards he can do everything on the field. You never know what will happen to him on the pitch. Pochettino trusts him and even without Neymar being well, the team continues to win.”

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Leaked list shows Lewandowski will win 2021 Ballon d’Or

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that a sheet has leaked online showing Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski as the winner of the 2021 Ballon d’Or ahead of 25 other superstars.

The award ceremony for this year will hold on November 29 as that of last year was cancelled due to the spread of the pandemic.

Lionel Messi won the 2019 edition of the award after beating Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo to the prestigious award.