{"id":93422,"date":"2023-09-22T07:35:31","date_gmt":"2023-09-22T07:35:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stopsmokingway.com\/?p=93422"},"modified":"2023-09-22T07:35:31","modified_gmt":"2023-09-22T07:35:31","slug":"superstar-lionel-messi-slams-psg-after-unusual-post-world-cup-reaction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stopsmokingway.com\/soccer\/superstar-lionel-messi-slams-psg-after-unusual-post-world-cup-reaction\/","title":{"rendered":"Superstar Lionel Messi slams PSG after unusual post-World Cup reaction"},"content":{"rendered":"
Lionel Messi has taken a swipe at former club Paris Saint-Germain over the way they reacted to his World Cup triumph. <\/p>\n
The Argentine great finally led his country to World Cup glory in Qatar last year following the greatest final in the tournament\u2019s history \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s success and that a trophy parade would have upset supporters.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Lionel Messi sent Jamie Carragher insulting DM night before winning Ballon d'Or <\/b><\/p>\n
READ MORE: Lionel Messi's bodyguard receives $50,000 offer from adult site as fans 'thirst' over him <\/b><\/p>\n
However, the former Barcelona star reckons he deserved more of a fanfare. He told Olga: \u201cThat'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." <\/p>\n
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."<\/p>\n
Should PSG have allowed Messi to parade the World Cup trophy? Have your say in the comments section below<\/i> <\/b><\/p>\n
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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: \u201cI'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.\u201d<\/p>\n
An emotional return to Barcelona was mooted but the Catalan club\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n