World Cup winner Lionel Messi seemed hurt by Paris Saint-Germain’s action after him and the Argentine’s triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Inter Miami star revealed in an interview aired on Thursday.
The 36-year-old, who was talking to radio Olga of Buenos Aires in his Miami home, said that the French champions did not recognise his achievement after winning the World Cup last year, and he acknowledged that his move to the Parc des Princes wasn’t as productive as he expected.
“Well, that’s how things worked out,” Messi said. “The truth is it didn’t go as I expected, but as I always say, things happen for a reason and although I wasn’t doing well there, I got to win the World Cup while I was there.
The former Barcelona star further downplayed any alleged friction with Les Bleus and PSG star Kylian Mbappe.
He said: “All super good with him [Mbappe] and the rest of the team.
“Then, it was understandable as I was living in the country we had beaten in the final and it was our fault, in quotation marks, they hadn’t been world champions.
“And well, I was the only player who didn’t receive recognition for winning the World Cup from their club, compared to my 25 other Argentine teammates,” the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner pointed out.
When asked about the possibility of playing in the next World Cup—the 2026 edition of the tournament slated to hold in the United States, Mexico, and Canada—Messi gave little away and said “Time will tell”.
“After the Copa America, we’ll see. It also depends on how I feel. Years have passed and we have to see how I feel. Also, in the League and in the games the rhythm is different. I’ll see day by day how I feel. There are still three years to go.”
Messi also touched on the opportunity of returning to play in Argentina before the end of his career, stating that he is most grateful for the collective awards he has won with the teams he has played for.
“Personally, I always had that idea, and even more so having won the World Cup, to be able to enjoy Argentine soccer, and play for Newell’s.
“When I was a child, I’d go to the Newell’s stadium and it was my dream to play there.
“The Ballon d’Or is a beautiful honour, but I was lucky to win everything: the Champions League, La Liga, Copa America, World Cup. These are the important awards.
“Then, although it’s a nice recognition to be there and receive the individual awards, the most important thing is the others,” the iconic No. 10 added.
Messi, who has been nominated for both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best award, has settled into life in the Major Soccer League (MLS) well, helping Inter Miami win their first ever trophy, scoring eleven goals, and providing five assists in 12 games so far.
