Lionel Messi has recently spoken about the challenges he faced during his two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and how he struggled to adapt to life in Paris with his family. In an interview with BeIN Sports, he revealed that the change was much more difficult than he expected, adding that arriving late and not having a pre-season were factors that made the transition even harder. Despite knowing some of his teammates in the dressing room, the Argentine star said adapting to the new club, new style of play, and new city was quite challenging.
When he arrived, Messi received a very warm welcome from the fans. However, he went on to say that things eventually changed as some supporters started treating him differently. He acknowledged that he was aware of how some Paris fans reacted to players they didn't like as it had happened before with teammates Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Messi further added that he had always respected everyone since he arrived and was disappointed that there was a rift with a big part of the Paris fans. He said that he would remember the people who have always shown him respect.
Despite the tricky start, Messi managed to score 32 goals and record 35 assists for PSG over his two seasons with the team, helping them win two league titles and one French Super Cup. However, he also faced criticism after being suspended for an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. Messi's contract with PSG expired in June, and instead of staying in Europe, he announced that he would join Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami on a free transfer, ending his 21-year association with Barcelona.
Messi has always expressed his love for Barcelona, and his decision to leave the Catalan club last year was a massive shock to many football fans. Despite the speculations around his future last summer and the months that followed, no one expected him to leave Europe at this stage of his career. Messi is set to make his debut for Inter Miami in the upcoming Leagues Cup clash against Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21, and all eyes will be on him, as he embarks on a new challenge in the MLS.