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Lionel Messi "Not So Extraordinary" Anymore At PSG, Former Premier League Star Claims

Lionel Messi "Not So Extraordinary" Anymore At PSG, Former Premier League Star Claims

The Argentine got off to a slow in Paris, but his form has picked up in the Champions League.

Tom Fenton

Tom Fenton

For some, Lionel Messi's slow start at Paris Saint-Germain is nothing but a blip, a form slump that will soon be overcome.

Conversely, to the forward's many critics, it's the first sign that his once-mighty powers might be on the wane.

According to former PSG and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, Messi's current form is an indication that he is not as "extraordinary" as he once was for Barcelona and Argentina.

The 34-year-old is yet to score for Mauricio Pochettino's side in Ligue 1, although he has impressed in the Champions League, bagging goals against Manchester City and RB Leipzig at home.

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PA

Speaking to RNC, via the Daily Mail, Anelka had some rather harsh words for Messi, who left Barcelona this summer to link up with the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

"Today we demand from Neymar, but we can do the same with Messi. Since the beginning of the season it is not extraordinary either. There is a player who has six Ballon d'Ors and finally is not so extraordinary," Anelka suggested.

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PA

Anelka started his professional career at PSG, coming through the club's academy system before turbulent spells at Arsenal and Real Madrid.

He ended up heading back to Paris in 2000, going on to bag 10 goals in 39 appearances during his second spell at Parc des Princes.

The Frenchman also spoke on Neymar's underwhelming form this season, as the Brazilian superstar has scored just once in all competitions.

"He [Neymar] is going through a difficult moment. If the coach thinks he has to play to regain his level, he makes him play. Putting it aside or replacing it to break their morale is not going to fix things," Anelka observes.

"In addition, he has a great salary, he is a star of French and world football. He is one of the best players in the league - although right now he is failing to show it."

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Topics: Paris Saint-Germain, Ligue 1, Neymar, Lionel Messi, Mauricio Pochettino, Parc des Princes