Superstar Lionel Messi slams PSG after unusual post-World Cup reaction

Lionel Messi has taken a swipe at former club Paris Saint-Germain over the way they reacted to his World Cup triumph.

The Argentine great finally led his country to World Cup glory in Qatar last year following the greatest final in the tournament’s history – a 3-3 draw followed by a gripping penalty shootout. Messi was given a guard of honour upon his return to Paris, but he claims there was little other acknowledgement of his achievement by the Qatari-owned club.

Messi reportedly wanted to parade the World Cup trophy at the Parc des Princes, a request which was flatly rejected by PSG, perhaps understandably given France were the beaten finalists. Reports in the French capital said the club felt the guard of honour was a sufficient acknowledgement of Messi’s success and that a trophy parade would have upset supporters.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi sent Jamie Carragher insulting DM night before winning Ballon d'Or

READ MORE: Lionel Messi's bodyguard receives $50,000 offer from adult site as fans 'thirst' over him

However, the former Barcelona star reckons he deserved more of a fanfare. He told Olga: “That's how it happened. The truth is that it didn't go the way I expected, but I always say that things happen for a reason and even though I wasn't doing well there, it was my turn to be a world champion there. Everything happens for a reason and if it had to be like that."

However, he did concede: "It was understandable. I was in the place where we had won the final and it was our fault that France hadn't won the World Cup this time. I was the only player who didn't get recognition, apart from my 25 other players, but that's OK."

Should PSG have allowed Messi to parade the World Cup trophy? Have your say in the comments section below

The standoff contributed to the souring of relations between Messi and PSG, who parted ways in the summer. After his PSG departure was confirmed, he gave a lukewarm statement which said: “I'm very happy to have been able to represent PSG. I really enjoyed playing in this team and with such good players. I would like to thank the club for this wonderful experience.”

An emotional return to Barcelona was mooted but the Catalan club’s financial issues meant that was a non-starter. Instead, Messi headed to the United States to join Inter Miami, where David Beckham is a co-owner.

Source: Read Full Article