Nicolas Anelka’s remarks on Lionel Messi’s hit-and-miss spell at Paris Saint-Germain have resurfaced after the Barcelona legend was booed by the French club’s fans.
PSG snapped up the 34-year-old Argentine ace on a free transfer last August after his exit from Barcelona, with La Liga’s financial fair play rules preventing the Spanish club from signing Messi to a new deal.
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Messi, who is under contract until 2023, has scored seven times and registered 11 assists in 26 appearances for PSG across all competitions this season.
However, the ex-Barcelona captain’s goalscoring form at PSG has been brought into question, with Messi only finding the back of the net on two occasions in Ligue 1.
PSG suffered a humiliating exit from the Champions League round of 16 last week after a sensational comeback win by Real Madrid.
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Messi and Co returned to action for PSG on Sunday in the Ligue 1 side’s 3-0 win over Bordeaux at the Parc des Princes.
However, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and PSG teammate Neymar were both met with loud boos from the Parc des Princes faithful.
Boos for Lionel Messi and Neymar around Le Parc des Princes 😳 pic.twitter.com/KRyaHTJLLk
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 13, 2022
Anelka, who played for PSG in two separate spells, previously claimed that Messi is “not so extraordinary” after playing for the Parisian-based club.
Speaking to RMC in October 2021, the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker said: “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.”
Presnel Kimpembe claimed he could “understand” PSG fans’ “disappointment” and “hatred” after Messi and Neymar were relentlessly booed in the Bordeaux clash.
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Speaking after Sunday’s match, PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted that he was “sad” by the fans’ reception and insisted that it “affected” his team.
“Everyone who loves PSG is sad after the disappointment of Madrid. I’m sad with what I experienced today,” he told reporters.
“We were all affected. We understand the disappointment and the frustration. We’re all living it together, as a team.
“We have a duty to take responsibility for what happened. We share this disappointment with the supporters.”
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain, Ligue 1, France, Football
