The soccer world was turned upside down in 2021 when news of Lionel Messi not extending his stay with his boyhood club, Barcelona, came to light. The Argentine superstar signed for Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year deal. PSG’s hopes of clinching a European trophy became much more achievable after they signed the World Cup winner. After all, arguably the greatest player of all time teaming up with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe should have produced the most potent attack that should have terrorized opposition defenders and clinched all available silverware. However, the fairytale story didn’t quite live up to its billing. 

Despite producing incredible numbers for the Parisian club, Messi failed to overturn PSG’s fortunes in Europe. Moreover, the revered trio of ‘MSN’ didn’t quite click. By the end of the Argentine’s two-year spell, Messi was more hated than loved as he regularly faced the ire of the home crowd who showered him with jeers. His perceived lack of work ethic on the pitch, combined with PSG’s dismal exit from Europe, forced the crowd to vent their frustrations at the Argentine magician. Now, enjoying his time in Miami, Messi offered a review of his time in the French capital via a conversation with another player.

Belgian midfielder Brecht Dejaegere, who has featured for Toulouse and Charlotte FC, revealed one of his conversations with Lionel Messi. One of Dejaegere’s most memorable moments is when he saw Messi face-to-face. Growing up idolizing Messi, the Belgian midfielder was thrilled to meet him in person during their match against Inter Miami. The former Charlotte FC player asked Messi if he felt better at Inter Miami than he used to in France. Dejaegere recalled the conversation fondly and said to RTBF, “At the final whistle [of Inter Miami v Charlotte], I asked him [Lionel Messi] if he felt better in Miami than in France.”

“I told him I had played against him with Toulouse at the Parc des Princes. He didn’t remember me… but it was my childhood dream come true. Messi has always been my favourite player! It was a real thrill to meet him… And so, that day, he told me that for him, at PSG, it was ‘la merda’ [‘s**t’]. Yes, ‘la merda’,” the Belgian revealed. Messi used the Italian slang for “cr*p” to describe his time at the French club. Nevertheless, after putting a subpar time at PSG behind him, the 37-year-old now plies his trade for Inter Miami where he is much happier.

Lionel Messi’s new era in Miami

Lionel Messi made the monumental decision to join the MLS as he approached the twilight of his career. His coming brought the greatest storm ever in Major League Soccer and made Inter Miami one of the world’s most talked-about clubs. David Beckham, owner of the team, played a huge role in convincing and bringing Messi to the U.S.

Lionel Messi has been idolized from the day he stepped foot in the U.S. The pressure remains quite high in the MLS, but by any means is not as cruel as the football culture of Europe. The league massively benefited from his arrival. Soccer fans ardently flocked to their screens to catch a glimpse of Messi in his new surroundings. Not to the surprise of many, the World Cup winner made an immediate impact.

He capped off his debut with a stunning goal as he offered a prelude on what’s to come. The 37-year-old lead Miami to their first-ever trophy by winning the Leagues Cup last year. Messi continued to weave his magic in the 2024 season as he broke the record for the most assists in a single MLS game in their win over the New York Red Bulls. Messi played an instrumental part in clinching their best-ever record in the league as they secured the Supporters’ Shield.

Nevertheless, Messi is undoubtedly having a better time in Miami than PSG. The impact he has on and off the pitch means that the 8-time Ballon d’Or’s time at Paris remains only a tiny blemish in his glorious career so far.