Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has had an eventful past few months. Although finally achieved his lifelong dream of lifting the World Cup with Argentina, his time with PSG was far from a dream. During the second half of last season, Messi endured a lot of backlash from fans, with some even booing him during matches.

This was a sharp contrast to the love and adoration he had always received from his fans throughout his career. Despite the rough patch, Messi persevered and is now set to leave PSG to join the MLS side Inter Miami. However, before embarking on his new journey with Inter Miami, Messi is currently on international duty. And recently received a heartwarming reception in his hometown of Rosario.

Lionel Messi gets welcomed like a World Champion

On June 24th, Messi made an appearance in an exhibition match between Argentina and Newell’s Old Boys. The match was played as a farewell game to honor his Argentine teammate Maxi Rodriguez. The day also marked his 36th birthday and first as a World Champion.

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The Estadio Marcelo Bielsa stadium, where Messi’s soccer journey began, was filled with 42,000 enthusiastic fans. Before the match started the fans, players, and staff gave an outstanding welcome to their star player. They did so with everyone standing on their feet applauding and constant fireworks going on in the background.

The love, adoration, and respect shown to Messi on his birthday and as a World Champion are proof of his unparalleled talent in the soccer world and his impact on people’s lives beyond the sport. However, this reception is a stark contrast to the one he received from some PSG fans.

Messi talks about the ‘fractured’ relationship with PSG fans

In an exclusive interview with beIN SPORTS, Lionel Messi opened up about his experience with PSG fans. He shared how initially, the support was overwhelming and described it as “something wonderful“. But Messi soon noticed a shift in attitude from certain fans. He added, “But then some people started to treat me differently, a part of the Paris supporters”.

Despite this, he also acknowledged that many still show him love and respect. He pointed out that similar situations have occurred with his teammates Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. “I know that’s the way they behave,” Messi said. Ultimately, he concluded by saying, “I’ll take away with me the people who respected me, as I always respected everyone since I arrived and that’s all”.

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In conclusion, Messi’s journey has had its fair share of ups and downs, and it was all worth it in the end. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.