Lionel Messi endured a challenging experience in his first spell at PSG last season. But from all indications, the superstar will have a better season in the French capital next season. Here is why.
As one of the best players to ever feature in the round leather game, the football maestro has raised the bar so high that his personal accolades have become a defining factor of his successes.
Paris Saint-Germain won their 10th French League 1 title last season with 4 games to spare after their draw with Lens last season. But despite the club’s success, the performance of Lionel Messi, who managed 14 goals in all competitions, was greeted with mixed reactions.
Despite playing from what appeared to be a deeper role for PSG, as against what he was used to in Barcelona, the superstar’s season was termed below par.
However, despite the criticisms, Lionel Messi would prove his critics wrong at the end of the season when he guided his national team to beat Italy and lift the Finalissima 2022 trophy.
From his performance at the competition, Messi proved once again that legends never die, and that the coming season will be a better one for him personally.
A section of PSG fans booed the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner after the club’s elimination from the Champions League after a defeat to winners Real Madrid.
Despite the experience, the Argentinian international has expressed unwavering confidence that he will do better next season, as he was still trying to adapt to life after Barcelona. He opined that his departure from Barcelona at the time he did affected him mentally, but he is sure to have recovered by next season.
“Next season will be way better for me with Paris Saint-Germain, I’m sure. It was not easy after that crazy summer,” Messi told TyCSports.
“It was really difficult to understand what happened. I wasn’t expecting to leave Barcelona – it was a shock.”
In the same vein, many sports commentators and pundits believe Messi will shock his critics in the coming season. They argue that the level of criticism he received this season will further propel him to reach his best levels next season.
Speaking to L’Équipe de Greg, renowned football French pundit Ludovic Obraniak insisted that the 2022/2023 season would be better for Messi.
“I believe in the pride of the champion. However, I don’t think he can stay there. It’s impossible. And that will inevitably cause trouble when we compare him to Cristiano Ronaldo, who exported him much better.
“He almost has to. He is supposed to be the best player of all time; it depends on the generations. You can’t stay on a bitter failure, especially at PSG,” he said.
Another reason why many believe that the coming season will be a successful one for Messi is the fact that it is a World Cup year.
Therefore, the ultimate athlete will be self-motivated to perform at the highest level and maintain the highest possible concentration as he aims to add another national honour to his Finalissima trophy.
On a serious note, football lovers and critics alike are looking forward to a decisive season – and football year, hoping to end the GOAT debate once and for all.
With Cristiano Ronaldo having a second season in Manchester United, like Messi, and both qualified for the World Cup in Qatar, fans and football lovers are in for an exciting year.
In your opinion, do you think Lionel Messi will have a better 2022/2023 season at PSG? Let us know in the comment session below.
