In a revealing exchange, Argentine soccer maestro Lionel Messi broke his silence on his experience with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and his relationship with French striker Kylian Mbappé. Conducting his first interview since his transfer to Inter Miami, Messi conversed with fellow Argentine journalist Migy Granados and spilled intriguing details on his career and life.
Lionel Messi in Olga-Image Source: X
PSG Tenure Under Scrutiny
Messi expressed profound dissatisfaction with PSG, criticizing the French club for its failure to honor his achievements, particularly after he led Argentina to win the World Cup in 2022. “I was the only Argentine player among 26 on my national team who did not receive any acknowledgment from his club after lifting the World Cup trophy,” he stated. Messi surmised that his time at PSG was far from idyllic, yet he pointed out that he became a world champion while serving the club, implying a touch of irony in the situation.
Lionel Messi about PSG, and his experience after becoming world champion 🐐😌
In the next few days I will upload this FULL great interview with ENGLISH subtitles!! 🤯
Follow me so you don’t miss it!!❤️#MessiEnOlga pic.twitter.com/04z8PoAjGF
— Juani Jimena (@JimenaJuani) September 21, 2023
Uncertainty Over Future World Cup Participation
When questioned about his role in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Argentine legend refrained from making a commitment. He said, “I am not thinking about the 2026 World Cup right now; my focus is on the Copa America 2024. My physical condition will be the determining factor for the World Cup, which is three years from today.”
Relationship with Kylian Mbappé
As for his relationship with French forward Kylian Mbappé, Messi remained relatively guarded. While he acknowledged having a good relationship with all PSG players, he subtly noted that Argentina’s World Cup win thwarted France’s chance of reclaiming the title. “We defeated them in the World Cup, and we are the reason they are not champions again,” he remarked.
Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi has opened up about his relationship with Kylian Mbappe after Argentina beat France in the FIFA World Cup final. #SLInt
MORE: https://t.co/OIRABEmjwT pic.twitter.com/TM14uDMK77
— Soccer Laduma (@Soccer_Laduma) February 4, 2023
On a Lighter Note
Messi also shared insights into his social media habits. Particularly, he revealed that he refrains from using emojis or stickers and dislikes voice messages, preferring standard texts and calls for communication. In the interview, Messi revealed his personal WhatsApp profile picture, which features him beside his wife and three children after the World Cup final.
“No soy de usar stickers en WhatsApp. Soy bastante cortante, ninguno de mis hijos tienen celular todavía. No mando tanto audio, prefiero más mensaje”.
Lionel Messi, en @olgaenvivo. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/59hUa2MS3R
— Ataque Futbolero (@AtaqueFutbolero) September 21, 2023
In wrapping up this uniquely transparent dialogue, Messi opened several new avenues of discussion concerning his past experiences and future aspirations. Yet, he also left room for speculation, adding layers of complexity to an already multi-faceted persona.
This carefully choreographed exchange showcases Messi’s strategic reticence and adds another chapter to the already complex narrative that encapsulates his career.
