Lionel Messi gave stinging one-word response
Martha Riley
Lionel Messi gave a brutal summary of his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentine superstar spent two seasons with the French giants following his emotional exit from Barcelona in 2021, but never quite managed to deliver on the huge expectations for him and the club.
Messi enjoyed domestic success in the French capital, but failed to deliver on the club's number one priority
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Messi enjoyed domestic success in the French capital, but failed to deliver on the club's number one priorityCredit: Getty
Despite lifting back-to-back Ligue 1 title, Messi was targeted by the PSG supporters for failing to land an elusive first Champions League title that the club so desperately wanted.
He was booed by fans on several occasions during his time in Paris, before ultimately making the move to Inter Miami in July 2023.
And the Argentine icon has since revealed that incidents like these whilst at PSG have left a bitter taste in the mouth.
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Belgian footballer Brecht Dejaegere came up against Messi in both Ligue 1 and the MLS, and asked him to compare his experiences of the two leagues after facing him in the US whilst playing for Charlotte FC.
Speaking to Belgian broadcaster RTBF, he recalled: "At the final whistle, I asked him if he felt better in Miami than in France.
"He was surprised, and I told him I'd 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!"
Dejaegere then revealed the brutal one-word description Messi gave to sum up his two years in France.
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He continued: "It was crazy to meet him... And so, that day, he told me that for him, PSG was 'la merda'. Yes, s*** (he bursts out laughing).
"Because although the Parisians had been very welcoming at first, he had taken a dislike to them after the failure in the Champions League- he was getting whistled at every ball and he was fed up."
With Messi in their ranks, PSG suffered back-to-back round of 16 exits in the European competition, losing to Real Madrid in 2022 and Bayern Munich the following year.
Messi revealed to Dejaegere, left, that he did not enjoy his time in the French capital
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Messi revealed to Dejaegere, left, that he did not enjoy his time in the French capitalCredit: AFP
This was in spite of the Parisians also boasting the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Sergio Ramos in their star-studded squad.
Messi still managed to showcase plenty of his breathtaking ability at the Parc des Princes, as he netted 21 goals and provided 20 assists in his final season at the club.
But he clearly never felt at home in the French capital, with Dejeagere's revelation not the first time that the 37-year-old spoken about his PSG spell in a negative light.
The Argentine great has appeared much more at ease in the MLS with Inter Miami
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The Argentine great has appeared much more at ease in the MLS with Inter MiamiCredit: Getty
Upon signing for Inter Miami, Messi admitted: "I didn't want to leave [Barcelona] for PSG and that was [an] overnight [decision].
"I wanted to stay in Barcelona, but I had to get used to a different place, a different place from the one I had lived in terms of the city.
"It was difficult in Paris, but it is quite the opposite what is going on with me here and now."
The 2022 World Cup winner certainly looks to be enjoying life again in the States however.
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Since his free transfer to the David Beckham-owned franchise, Messi has picked up two trophies, this season's Supporters Shield and the 2023 Leagues Cup.
And with his 17 goals in 18 league games helping Inter to finish top of the Eastern Conference, his side are now favourites to lift the MLS Cup with victory in the play-offs.
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