PSG have reached the Champions League final, and club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has seemingly criticised Lionel Messi’s lack of effort during his time at the club
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi fired a subtle dig towards Lionel Messi as the club celebrated reaching the Champions League final. Messi spent two years in France before signing for Inter Miami in 2023.
The Argentine’s shock move from Barcelona to PSG was meant to end the club’s wait for their first Champions League triumph. Messi was part of a star-studded front three, including Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
Despite their immense firepower and a team littered with high-profile players, PSG twice exited the Champions League at the round of 16 stage during Messi’s stint at the club. PSG have since moved away from their Galactico-style approach, and Al-Khelafi has praised the current team’s work ethic, in what appears to be a knock on Messi and his former team-mates.
‘We have players who leave everything for the jersey, for the city, for the club,” Al Kelaifi said, as reported by TNT Sports. “Today, they were all ready to die on the pitch. There was a time when we had to change.”
The French champions initially struggled during the Champions League group phase, but have shown their true potential in the knockout stages. Defeating Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal in successive rounds has put the spotlight on Luis Enrique’s side, who will face Inter Milan in the final.
“They were tough, difficult games, but we always trusted our players and our coach,” Al-Khelaifi explained. “At no time did we think about changing coach, even if we were out there (in the first round) or with Liverpool, we wouldn’t have changed anything, but to have reached the final is incredible. It’s a great feeling to be in the final after a long, hard season.”
PSG’s transformation has centred around moving on from Messi, and forming a new frontline comprised of Ousmane Dembele, youngsters Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola, and January signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Meanwhile, Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain is enjoying his football with Miami, having been reluctant to leave Barcelona for PSG in 2021.
Following his move to Miami, Messi told ESPN: “This is what I was looking for when we made the decision with my family. To enjoy it once more, as I’ve done my whole career, after two difficult years, the truth is we had it rough.
“But as luck would have it, we’re in a place where we’re happy not just because of the results on the pitch but because of the everyday life with my wife, my kids, our lifestyle and the way we spend our time. Truth is, we’re enjoying this moment very much.”
These comments sparked a response from Al-Khelaifi, who accused Messi of disrespecting his former club. “We talk when we are there, not when we are gone,” the PSG president told RMC Sport. “I have great respect for him [Messi] but if someone wants to talk badly about Paris Saint-Germain after [his departure], it’s not good. That’s not respect […] He’s not a bad guy, but I don’t like that. It’s not just for him, but for everyone.”
PSG will face Inter in the Champions League final later this month after the Italian side overcame Barcelona in a thrilling semi-final. Al-Khelaifi has spoken about his excitement for the Inter clash, particularly as the club’s last final against Bayern Munich was played behind closed doors.
After PSG eliminated Arsenal, Al-Khelaifi admitted: “I’m very proud. It’s magnificent. The players, the coach, the staff, the fans… Everyone has created the great history of Paris Saint-Germain today.
“We’re going to play in our second final, this time with the fans, so it’s different from 2020. I can’t explain how I feel. We’re very happy and proud of this moment because it wasn’t easy. The start of the Champions League season was very difficult, but today we’re here.”
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