Messi got booed by PSG fans during their Ligue 1 match against Lyon.
Messi’s time at Paris Saint Germain has not been all smooth sailing. On Sunday, the Ligue 1 defending champions suffered their seventh defeat at home to Lyon.
Before the game, many home fans inside the Parc des Princes expressed dissatisfaction with Messi by booing his name.
Bradley Barcola scored the game’s only goal as Lyon beat PSG 1-0 at home. This loss marked PSG’s second consecutive defeat, and they are currently six points ahead of both Lens and Marseille in the standings.
Why did PSG fans boo Messi?
Some PSG fans may single out Messi due to several reasons. Firstly, some fans may doubt Messi’s commitment to the club and his willingness to play in France, which could have sometimes contributed to his underwhelming performances.
Additionally, his contract situation and rumours of a potential return to Barcelona may have made some fans question his loyalty to PSG.
Furthermore, some PSG supporters may believe that Messi’s high wages hinder the club’s ability to strengthen their squad in other areas, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction.
Regardless of the reasons behind the booing, it’s worth noting that criticising and singling out any player, let alone one of the greatest players of all time, is not a constructive way to support the team.
— Celebvibestar (@Vibextaz) April 3, 2023
PSG manager, Christophe Galtier, acknowledged that the booing directed at Messi was challenging to hear.
“I found it hard to listen to (the whistles),” said Galtier.
There may be expectations for Messi and Mbappe to unlock difficult situations. They don’t all work out, but they don’t all work out, and the other players need to do their job around him. Messi tried different things and situations. There were technical mistakes in his link-up play. The whistles are hard to listen to because he gives many goals and assists.
Despite Messi’s occasional struggles, Galtier stressed the importance of supporting and encouraging the team’s players rather than criticising them, particularly given Messi’s immense talent.
Messi has been booed before.
This is the second time this season that this has happened.
He was targeted by supporters who jeered and whistled at him during the Ligue 1 match against Rennes, which PSG lost 2-0 last month.
Neymar has let the club down far more times than Messi. Both could leave this summer, and the team starts fresh. It will be fascinating to see what happens, but booing Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or seven times, is just wrong.
Although some fans chanted his name in support during the Lyon match, the whistles indicated that not all supporters are happy with the Argentine’s recent performances.
PSG’s defeat leaves them with only a six-point lead over Lens and Marseille, with nine games left to play.
Twitter Reactions.
Football fans on Twitter have reacted to Lionel Messi being booed by PSG fans on Sunday night.
For the second game in a row, Messi heads directly to the tunnel without applauding the fans 😭 pic.twitter.com/kRYho6fgvi
— fan (@NoodleHairCR7) April 2, 2023
Tagliafico on PSG fans whistles to Messi: “Football is a team sport, it’s not just for a one player.” @SC_ESPN 🗣️🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/DpS3B5YJ27
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) April 2, 2023
Mbappe lost the ball and Lyon scores,but hey it’s Messi’s fault. pic.twitter.com/7hr6hcvaNC
— ELI LEE (@EliLeezayy) April 2, 2023