Reason Lionel Messi Will Perform Better at PSG in 2022/2023 Season Revealed

Argentine star Lionel Messi has had a difficult start at PSG since leaving Barcelona. In comparison to his Barcelona records, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has only found the back of the net a few times.

While the 34-year-old Argentine striker has stated that he would explore his choices after Qatar 2022 owing to uncertainties over his future, he is expected to have a brighter season at PSG in the 2022/2023 season. The Argentine captain's low wattage has elicited mixed reactions from sports fans, but here are several reasons why he will have a better season.

What role did Lionel Messi play under Pochettino?

In the 2022/2023 season, the Ligue 1 champion PSG will be expected to play the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner in a different position while awaiting the arrival of a new manager. Lionel Messi plays centre forward occasionally for Paris Saint-Germain in a 4-3-3 system. But mostly, under former manager Mauricio Pochettino, Messi was mostly deployed on the right side of PSG's attack, appearing 34 times, scoring 11 goals and assisting 15 times. Which has hindered his performance in the 2021/2022 Premier League season.

REVEALED! The top 20 dirtiest NBA players of all time

NBA

What was said regarding Messi's position by his teammate?

When asked if the ex-Barcelona striker is a better player in the centre, his teammate, Mbappe, confirms this in an interview with Amazon Prime Video, saying,

“Yes, but I’m not the coach. Leo is a player who needs to be on the ball, to feel the game and the movement, to be involved. I think it’s a good position for him, to play in a free role, to be able to move and play off the shoulders of defenders. I can play in any position. I started in the middle, then I played on the right and now on the left, but I still have a certain amount of freedom in my movement.”

Messi was forced to drop back to the tip of the midfield or play alongside Mauro Icardi as a second striker in the 2021/2022 league campaign. It is one of the tactical problems Pochettino refused to solve during his time in the club. PSG have appointed former Nice and Lille coach Christopher Galtier as a manager to succeed Pochettino. Luis Campos, PSG's adviser, wants to cement the 3-5-2 formation, which favours the striker as the number 10 position.

Premier League's most appearances: Who holds the record for the most appearances in the EPL?

Football

In addition, following Mbappe's comment about Messi being on the ball, the Argentine forward scored a 5-goal masterclass versus Estonia. Coming off a disappointing first season at Paris Saint-Germain, where he only scored six league goals. In the friendly destruction, Messi delivered the world a strong reminder of his grandeur. That's because the 34-year-old scored all five goals in a single game in Pamplona, Spain, tying for the joint-highest total in his remarkable career. This, on the other hand, has the sports fans waiting for his return in the 2022/2023 campaign.

Story written by Ayomide Oguntimehin