Following a move to France from Barcelona in 2021, Lionel Messi found the going tough at times, but expects things to improve next season.
As the Argentine superstar reflects on his tumultuous debut season with Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi is confident that “good things are coming in 2022.”
The arrival of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner at Parc des Princes in the summer of 2021 sparked mass hysteria, with the football icon breaking long-standing ties with Barcelona to move to France as a free agent.
Much was expected of Messi at PSG after an iconic spell at Camp Nou, but only scored 11 goals in all competitions and was unable to inspire a bid for Champions League glory despite adding a Ligue 1 title to his ever-growing list of achievements.
As he reflects on a steep learning curve in the French capital and looks ahead to what he hopes will be a bright future, the mercurial South American has posted a positive message on social media.
Watch Messi’s goal highlights (PSG)
“The season is over, and I’d like to thank my teammates for how they’ve treated me since I arrived, as well as my family for always being there for me and supporting me,” Messi said.
“We are left with the bitter taste of losing in the Champions League in a tie in which we were the better side, but at the same time, I want to be left with the joy of having added another title, which was also one of the objectives. Certainly, good things will happen in 2022; it will be a pivotal year in which we will compete with ambition for everything.
Messi is correct in predicting that 2022 will be a big year, as he will be competing in the World Cup finals in Qatar alongside his efforts in a second season with PSG.
He has yet to win the most prestigious sporting prize, but will travel to the Middle East as part of a star-studded team that believes can go all the way.
Angel Di Maria will team up with Lionel Messi once more in the pursuit of international glory, with the veteran winger seeking a new challenge at Serie A giants Juventus – as reported by news outlets – that will keep him in contention for international recognition.
“It was a pleasure to have shared this last year with you in Paris,” Messi said of the departing forward at PSG. “We’ve known each other for a long time, but being together on a daily basis is not the same as seeing each other occasionally. As a player and what you have done at this club, there is nothing to say except that it is all impressive. I wish you luck in your new endeavor; we will miss you. “
