![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1033456597h.jpg)
via Imago
MLS, Fussball Herren, USA Lionel Messi Inter Miami CF press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz Aug 17, 2023 Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF addresses the media at the DRV PNK Stadium Press Conference Room. Ft. Lauderdale DRV PNK Stadium Press Conference Room FL USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJimxRassolx 20230817_jla_zg8_102
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1033456597h.jpg)
via Imago
MLS, Fussball Herren, USA Lionel Messi Inter Miami CF press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz Aug 17, 2023 Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF addresses the media at the DRV PNK Stadium Press Conference Room. Ft. Lauderdale DRV PNK Stadium Press Conference Room FL USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJimxRassolx 20230817_jla_zg8_102
Lionel Messi is finally facing some French music. Following his repeated digs at the Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentinian superstar has been told to remember how the French club rescued him from his former team’s financial crisis. In 2021, Messi moved to PSG from Barcelona. But after he joined Inter Miami this summer, the world cup winning captain’s PSG polemics have intensified.
After creating much commotion, Lionel Messi’s relentless remarks drew ire of Rio Mavuba. The former French player and football analyst castigated Leo for his lack of respect towards PSG.
‘Ungrateful’ Lionel Messi faces flak
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint Germain in the summer of 2021 after his contract with Barcelona expired. He was forced to leave the Catalan club due to their financial problems. The Argentine had been with Barcelona throughout his professional career. His departure witnessed an emotional ending to his saga. Behind the unceremonious exit was his childhood club’s financial turmoil.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1008228804h.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Imago
24th November 2021 City Stadium, Manchester, England UEFA Champions League football, Manchester City versus PSG Lionel Messi of Paris Saint Germain reacts as the match ends in a 2-1 defeat PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK ActionPlus12342178 DavidxBlunsden
Messi joined PSG on a free transfer and signed a two-year deal with the French club. However, he never seemed to settle in Paris. He also expressed his dissatisfaction regarding his tenure in the French capital. Since his departure from PSG, Messi has repeatedly taken digs at PSG in his interviews. He said that he wasn’t happy at the club and didn’t want to join them in the first place.
The World Cup winner’s comments didn’t abode well with Rio Mavuba.
🗣️@riomavuba : A chaque interview on voit Messi mettre une petite pique au PSG. Je suis assez surpris. Il ne faut pas qu'il oublie, il n'a pas voulu venir au PSG mais il y a que le PSG qui est venu le chercher quand Barcelone ne pouvait plus payer son salaire." pic.twitter.com/zbwurT1W8P
— Téléfoot (@telefoot_TF1) August 27, 2023
“In each interview, we see Messi put a small spade at PSG,” Mavuba said on Telefoot. “I’m quite surprised. He must not forget, he did not want to come to PSG but only PSG came to get him when Barcelona could no longer pay his salary.”
In his two years at PSG, Messi made total 75 appearances for the club, scoring 32 goals, and providing 34 assists. He won two Ligue 1 titles and one Trophy des Champions, during his tenure with the French giants.
Messi happy at Inter Miami CF
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Inter Miami CF this summer after his contract with PSG came to an end. He said that he wanted a new challenge, and was excited to play in the United States. The Argentine doesn’t hesitate to express himself and underline the fact that he has found a taste for football since his departure from France. In a recent statement, Messi declared, “It’s impressive from the first day here [US], I felt so much love from the people.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1033530445h.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Imago
MLS, Fussball Herren, USA Leagues Cup Championship-Inter Miami CF at Nashville SC Aug 19, 2023 Nashville, TN, USA Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi 10 during the trophy presentation for the Leagues Cup Championship at GEODIS Park. Nashville GEODIS Park TN USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xChristopherxHanewinckelx 20230819_mcd_ah2_197
Lionel Messi looks like he is enjoying his time in the MLS and with Inter Miami. He has been heavily influential in the club’s recent success, helping them win their first-ever Leagues Cup title, as well as qualifying for the US Open Cup final. The Argentine has already marked his impact by scoring 11 goals in nine games for the Herons and marking his MLS debut with a goal.
Watch This Story: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With Messi finding his old Barcelona teammates and friends, Busquets and Jordi Alba back at Inter Miami, he looks determined and happy at the club. Inter Miami will be hoping to see more of Messi’s flair and magic in his MLS journey that has just begun.