Lionel Messi opened up about having to leave FC Barcelona in 2021 and eventually join Paris Saint-Germain. The capital club was the only team that could afford the Argentine that late into the transfer window.
The marriage between Messi and PSG was one of convenience, as the switch allowed the veteran to prepare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, the Parisians benefited from the financial boost following the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a recent interview, Messi candidly shared his feelings about the challenging transition from Barcelona to Paris. His unexpected departure from the Catalan side added to the emotional complexity of the move.
“The transition was difficult when I arrived at PSG, as I was doing very well at Barcelona and had planned to stay there,” Messi said. “I wasn’t ready to leave. It was a change that we weren’t looking for.”
Messi’s two seasons in the French capital were disappointing. The French giants couldn’t get out of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. PSG fell to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, with Messi missing a penalty kick in the match against Los Blancos in 2022.
Nonetheless, having arguably the best player in the world for two seasons was unique. It just didn’t help that the team was poorly constructed under previous sporting director Leonardo.
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