Lionel Messi recently opened up about his difficult time at Paris Saint-Germain, summarizing it with the harsh phrase “La mierda,” which translates to “the worst” or “a mess.” Messi joined PSG in 2021 after leaving Barcelona, but his experience in Paris was far from ideal. He struggled to adapt, faced criticism from fans and the media, and was even blamed for PSG’s failure in the Champions League. The club’s expectations and internal tensions made his two-year spell in Paris a frustrating and painful chapter in his otherwise illustrious career.
Messi’s relationship with PSG’s fan base also soured over time, especially when they began to see him as a symbol of their underperformance, which contrasted with the hero’s welcome he initially received.
Despite contributing to several domestic titles, Messi never truly found his place at PSG and the weight of expectations appeared to stifle him. This tumultuous time ended in the summer of 2023, when Messi departed for Inter Miami in the MLS, where he seems to have rediscovered his joy for the game. His candid comments reflect the emotional toll his time in Paris took on him, especially considering how it followed his long, successful career at Barcelona.
