Ligue 1

PSG director Leonardo slams Lionel Messi: He has spent more time with Argentina than with his club

The Paris Saint-Germain hierarchy doesn't seem to bepleased with Lionel Messi's progress and form at the club, and now, Leonardo has criticized the forward for being away with his national team.

Lionel Messi (center) and Leonardo (right)
© Sebastien Muylaert/Getty ImagesLionel Messi (center) and Leonardo (right)

World superstar Lionel Messijoined Paris Saint-Germainthis summer in perhaps the biggest transfer in the last decade. However,he is yet to deliver, and hehasn’tmetthe expectations of the Parisians’fans and management, especially in the French Ligue 1.

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The Argentine has a slightly better performance in the Champions League, where he scored three goals in the first three matchdays. There will be a chance to improve his statistics on Wednesday whenGerman sideLeipzig host PSG at theRed Bull Arena in Leipzig on Matchday 4 of the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League Group Stage.

However, In five matches of the French championship, Messi is yet to find the netand to make matters worse,was replaced athalftime in Friday’s duel against Lille when his side was down to 1-0.After the game, the Red and Bluesdirector of sports, Leonardo, shared his honestthoughts on the Argentine’s form.

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Leonardo: Messi played three games for Argentina and now he hasmuscle fatigue

The Brazilian sporting director, Leonardo didn’t hold back when attempting to explain his reasons as to why Lionel Messi is yet to his best formand score a domesticgoal: “It isa little hard to explain. In these two months at PSG, he has spent more time with the Argentina national team, than here.

“Three games were played during the previous internationalbreak, and now, as a result, Messi has muscle problems. It is normal. The same thing happenedtoNeymar, buthe has givenhis best, just like Angel Di Maria. They were both decisive for the victory.”, said Leonardo.

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The former Barcelonaforwardmissed the last training session prior tothe Lille game due to a muscular discomfort, whichhe has been dragging on since Copa America. Further tests will becarried out to see if he can be availableon Wednesday againstLeipzig.

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