Lionel Messi's arrival in Paris Saint-Germain was expected to be the missing piece for the club to win the Champions League. However, the French side is now facing a season from hell. The team suffered its second straight home defeat with a 1-0 loss to Lyon on Sunday.
The frustration among PSG fans was palpable, and it wasn't just the result that had them upset - it was also how Messi fared in the match. As soon as his name appeared on the big screen during the announcement of the starting lineup, some fans began whistling. It's a stark contrast to the adoration and worship he received when he returned to Argentina for friendlies against Panama and Curaçao.
The season has been going downhill for PSG since Messi joined the team. Despite his 34 goal contributions in all competitions, including 18 goals and 17 assists, the team has not been able to replicate its success from last season's Ligue 1 title win. The only major trophy the team has won since Messi joined was a title that PSG would likely have won without him.
The head coach, Christophe Galtier, refused to lay the blame for the team's failures at Messi's feet, saying he finds it hard to listen to the jeering from some fans and that there are expectations for both Messi and Kylian Mbappe to unlock difficult situations. However, he added that around Messi, the other players also need to do their jobs.
Galtier's comments came after a tough game against Lyon, where Bradley Barcola's goal 10 minutes into the second period earned the visitors the three points on a night that PSG rarely looked like threatening the visiting goal.
PSG has lost two of its three matches since being dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich last month. The team has only managed to limp past relegation-threatened Brest with a 90th minute Kylian Mbappe winner.
Lyon's head coach, Laurent Blanc, said that the Champions League or bust mentality has been detrimental to PSG's performances. He stated that when the No.1 objective of the Champions League is no longer accessible, it seems like the season no longer exists - and at all levels.
The situation is now becoming increasingly dire for PSG. The team will need to bounce back quickly from this loss if they are to have any hope of salvaging what's left of their season.
The frustration among PSG fans was palpable, and it wasn't just the result that had them upset - it was also how Messi fared in the match. As soon as his name appeared on the big screen during the announcement of the starting lineup, some fans began whistling. It's a stark contrast to the adoration and worship he received when he returned to Argentina for friendlies against Panama and Curaçao.
The season has been going downhill for PSG since Messi joined the team. Despite his 34 goal contributions in all competitions, including 18 goals and 17 assists, the team has not been able to replicate its success from last season's Ligue 1 title win. The only major trophy the team has won since Messi joined was a title that PSG would likely have won without him.
The head coach, Christophe Galtier, refused to lay the blame for the team's failures at Messi's feet, saying he finds it hard to listen to the jeering from some fans and that there are expectations for both Messi and Kylian Mbappe to unlock difficult situations. However, he added that around Messi, the other players also need to do their jobs.
Galtier's comments came after a tough game against Lyon, where Bradley Barcola's goal 10 minutes into the second period earned the visitors the three points on a night that PSG rarely looked like threatening the visiting goal.
PSG has lost two of its three matches since being dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich last month. The team has only managed to limp past relegation-threatened Brest with a 90th minute Kylian Mbappe winner.
Lyon's head coach, Laurent Blanc, said that the Champions League or bust mentality has been detrimental to PSG's performances. He stated that when the No.1 objective of the Champions League is no longer accessible, it seems like the season no longer exists - and at all levels.
The situation is now becoming increasingly dire for PSG. The team will need to bounce back quickly from this loss if they are to have any hope of salvaging what's left of their season.
. They're going through a tough time, and it's not just about Messi, but the whole team not living up to expectations 
. I mean, the guy has done so much for the team already, and he's still trying his best 
. It's like the pressure is mounting, and some fans are taking it out on him 
. But you know what? I think Galtier is right 
- everyone needs to step up their game! The other players need to support Messi and Kylian Mbappe more 
. It's a shame PSG won't be defending the Ligue 1 title without them 
. They really need to bounce back from this loss ASAP 
or it might be too late 
.
but now he's got the fans all whistled up! Like, seriously, who whistles at a legend? 
And PSG's performance is straight fire 
. The Champions League or bust mentality is like, super harsh 
- if PSG don't get it together, they're gonna be sleeping with the fishes 
. Time for some serious team talk and a major reboot!
. I drew a little diagram to show the situation:
. The fans were so hyped up for him to lead the team to victory, but it hasn't worked out that way yet. And now, the team is struggling to win matches and even getting whistled at home 
.
. The situation is dire, and PSG needs to come together as a team if they want to turn things around 
.
PSG's season is like a sinking ship... Messi's arrival was supposed to be the fix, but now fans are whistling his name 
. Maybe Galtier's right, it's not just Messi's fault, other players need to step up their game 
! PSG fans are going through a tough time right now, and I feel like the whole world is watchin' them struggle 
. I mean, we all knew that Messi wasn't invincible, but come on, 1-0 loss to Lyon? That's just heartbreaking 
?!?! I love Messi, but sometimes a player needs to step up and deliver 
. They've got talent for days, but just can't seem to get it together 
. They need to win ASAP or else it's gonna be a long year 
.
. They've been struggling since he joined and it's like they're expecting everyone else to step up except him, which is just not fair 
️. Galtier said they need both Messi and Mbappe to deliver, but I think they should be working together as a team, you know? 
The fans are getting frustrated and the team's performance is suffering. They need to get their act together ASAP 
. Fans r whistling when he came on 2nite 
& coach says he can't handle the pressure 
18 goals is a good sum, but not enough 4 a top-tier team 
it's clear messi is not 2 blame 4 their losses he needs some support from his teammates 
and honestly kylian mbappe is doing way better than messi rn 
. And now this loss to Lyon on Sunday was a total nightmare 
. Maybe PSG needs to reassess what they're playing for - and fast 
. Galtier is right, it's not all on Messi's shoulders, the other players need to step up their game too 
️. The pressure is mounting for PSG and it'll be tough for them to recover from this loss 
. The guy's still putting up points, but clearly not the magic solution we thought he'd be 
. And honestly, can we blame the fans for being frustrated? I mean, we've all been there when our fave player doesn't deliver 
. PSG was riding high on Messi's arrival and now that he's...well, not doing his thing, they're tanking hard 
. It's like the fans are all, "Hey, we'll just boo you off the pitch because you're not as good as you used to be 
." I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that Messi is 34 and maybe doesn't have the same spark he had in his prime 
. Galtier's all well and good saying everyone has to do their job, but it sounds like he's just trying to deflect blame from the real issues 
. A loss is a loss, folks 
).
