<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>‘s stint at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/psg">Paris Saint-Germain</a> didn’t go exactly according to plan, as the Argentine star was booed and whistled by many fans as he failed to help the club win a highly desired UEFA Champions League trophy.



Not only the fans, but also the French media was harsh on the 8x Ballon d’Or winner, a relationship that only got worse after <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina">Argentina</a> beat France in the 2022 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> final in Qatar.



While PSG paid a tribute to the 36-year-old in his return to practice, Leo never got a recognition at the Parc des Princes. In a recent appearance of the ‘Rothen s’enflamme’ show of RMC Sport, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi explained the club thought such a tribute would backfire for the Argentine star.



“We are in France. He won against Kylian (Mbappe) and it’s a French club. I didn’t want the whole stadium to whistle against him,” Khelaifi said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240109_BUS_96823_Al-Khelaifi-Messi-1-1024x576_c67c6e0f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lionel Messi poses with his jersey next to President Nasser Al Khelaifi after the press conference of Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes on August 11, 2021 in Paris, France." class="wp-image-96828" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Al-Khelaifi-Messi-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Al-Khelaifi-Messi-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Al-Khelaifi-Messi-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Al-Khelaifi-Messi-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Al-Khelaifi-Messi-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi poses with his jersey next to President Nasser Al Khelaifi after the press conference of Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes on August 11, 2021 in Paris, France.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Messi had taken a dig at PSG over lack of World Cup tribute</h2>



Even though he got a little tribute before his first practice back from Qatar, it looks like that wasn’t enough for Messi to consider it a proper celebration by the club, claiming he was “the only player of the entire Argentine national team that his club did not recognize“.


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Al-Khelaifi had already reacted to Messi’s comments, denying PSG didn’t honor his World Cup victory. “As everyone saw, because we even published a video, we celebrated Messi in training, and we also celebrated him in private,” Al-Khelaifi told RMC Sport in September 2023. “But with respect, we are a French club. Of course it was sensitive to celebrate in the stadium. We have to respect the country he defeated, his French teammates, and our supporters too.”



After a two-year stint in Paris, Messi packed his bags in July 2023, leaving for MLS side Inter Miami as a free agent. Since then, he made it clear he feels much happier in South Florida than in the French capital.



“I have great respect for him, but someone talks badly about PSG, that’s not good, that’s not what respect is,” Al-Khelaifi said in regard to Messi’s several comments on his difficult moments at PSG. “He’s not a bad boy, but I don’t like it. I want any player to speak when he’s there. Not when he’s gone. That’s not our style.”

PSG president reveals the reason Messi didn't get World Cup tribute at Parc des Princes

PSG explains why Messi didn't get World Cup tribute at Parc des Princes - Bolavip US

PSG president explains why Messi didn't get a World Cup tribute at Parc des Princes

miniaturas

Not long ago, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/psg">Paris Saint-Germain</a> took pride in having <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> on their squad. But the Argentine star is no longer in France, so the club doesn’t hesitate to call <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kylian-mbappe">Kylian Mbappe</a> the best soccer player on Earth.



PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, in fact, believes the French striker should win the 2023 Ballon d’Or. “We have the best player in the world and for me, he deserves the Ballon d’Or,” he told Le Parisien.



Mbappe is on the 30-man shortlist along with Messi, who is a strong candidate to take home his eighth award. Erling Haaland, who won the treble with Manchester City last season, is also in contention.



<h2>Who are the 30 nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or?</h2>



<ol><li>Josko Gvardiol (Leipzig / Manchester City)</li><li>Andre Onana (Inter Milan / Manchester United)</li><li>Karim Benzema (Real Madrid / Al-Ittihad)</li><li>Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)</li><li>Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)</li><li>Randal Kolo Muani (Frankfurt / PSG)</li><li>Jude Bellingham (Dortmund / Real Madrid)</li><li>Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)</li><li>Ruben Dias (Manchester City)</li><li>Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)</li><li>Yassine Bounou (Sevilla / Al-Hilal)</li><li>Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)</li><li>Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)</li><li>Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)</li><li>Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)</li><li>Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)</li><li>Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)</li><li>Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)</li><li>Kim Min-Jae (Napoli / Bayern Munich)</li><li>Luka Modric (Real Madrid)</li><li>Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)</li><li>Victor Osimhen (Napoli)</li><li>Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City / Barcelona)</li><li>Rodri (Manchester City)</li><li>Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)</li><li>Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)</li><li>Harry Kane (Tottenham / Bayern Munich)</li><li>Kylian Mbappe (PSG)</li><li>Erling Haaland (Manchester City)</li><li>Lionel Messi (PSG / Inter Miami)</li></ol>


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<h2>When is the 2023 Ballon d’Or taking place?</h2>



The 2023 Ballon d’Or gala will take place on Monday, October 30 at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France.

PSG: Nasser Al-Khelaifi backs Mbappe to win 2023 Ballon d'Or over Messi

PSG: Nasser Al-Khelaifi backs Mbappe to win 2023 Ballon d'Or over Messi - Bolavip US

Nothing went according to plan for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/psg">PSG</a> in the last two seasons. Even though they did lift the Ligue 1 trophy in consecutive years, Nasser Al-Khelaifi‘s plan was that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kylian-mbappe">Kylian Mbappe</a> could deliver a highly desired UEFA Champions League title.



However, continental glory continues to be elusive for Paris Saint-Germain. But the outlook is even worse for the French club now, with the Argentine superstar gone and the French striker reportedly on his way out too.



Messi will play for MLS side Inter Miami after deciding not to renew his contract in Paris, while Mbappe could be sold before he becomes a free agent in 2024. Al-Khelaifi doesn’t seem to be angry at Messi, though.



<h2>Nasser Al-Khelaifi calls Messi the world’s best player</h2>



“I also want to thank Lionel Messi, the best player in the world, in the history of football, with whom we spent two magnificent years,” Al Khelaifi said in a press conference in which Luis Enrique was presented as the new PSG manager.



While his message shows gratitude for the Argentine player’s services in the last two seasons, it may also hide a subtle jab at Mbappe. After all, he’s calling Messi the best player on Earth over the current PSG star.


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There’s no way to know, but maybe this could have been different if Mbappe hadn’t put his future in doubt. Either way, Al-Khelaifi addressed the forward’s future, giving him an ultimatum to make a decision.

PSG: Nasser Al-Khelaifi throws shade at Kylian Mbappe while praising Lionel Messi - Bolavip US

PSG: Nasser Al-Khelaifi throws shade at Kylian Mbappe while praising Lionel Messi

After <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a>‘s decision to join <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inter Miami</a> in the MLS, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/neymar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neymar</a> will no longer share the pitch with the Argentine superstar. For a pair who dominated entire Europe at Barcelona but fell short in France, it was a sad conclusion.



The World Cup champion was expected to head <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/psg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Saint-Germain</a> with other superstars like the Brazilian, as well as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kylian-mbappe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kylian Mbappe</a>, and Sergio Ramos. The UEFA Champions League was where they really bombed out, however, eventually losing to teams like Real Madrid and Bayern on their mission to the Final.



Performances were consistently inconsistent even in the French league when the Parisians had little trouble hoisting the trophy. Now, even though the 36-year-old is excited to begin a new chapter with the United States, he hasn’t forgotten about his South American buddy and ex-teammate. 



<h2>Why did Lionel Messi give up on PSG’s award?</h2>



According to French outlet Le Parisien, before Lionel Messi’s farewell game for Paris Saint-Germain, the club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi presented him with a commemorative trophy. The Argentine forward has now promptly given the trophy to his former colleague, Neymar.



Club president Al-Khelaifi presented Messi with a gilded number 30 trophy before the game in honor of the jersey he wore for two years. Even after leaving this summer, Sergio Ramos was awarded a similar trophy for his time with the club.


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However, Neymar was the lucky recipient of this award. The Brazil international is auctioning off the award to raise money for his charity organization, which provides aid to underprivileged kids.

Lionel Messi sparks controversy refusing to keep PSG award, donates it to Neymar for charity auction - Bolavip US

Lionel Messi sparks controversy refusing to keep PSG award, donates it to Neymar for charity auction

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/Mauricio-Pochettino-talks-about-coaching-Messi-Neymar-and-Mbappe-20221201-0022.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PSG</a> have a lot to play for as they start gearing up for the remainder of the European season after the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/world-cup-2022-simulator" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FIFA World Cup</a> in Qatar. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/qatar2022/qatar-2022-how-many-fifa-world-cup-goals-does-lionel-messi-have-20221122-0006.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lionel Messi</a>’s side is in first place in France on 41 points and most likely winning Ligue 1.
The Paris club’s biggest attention and prize is the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/Barcelona-coach-Xavi-predicts-2022-23-UEFA-Champions-League-final-20221205-0047.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UEFA Champions League</a> where PSG will play the round of 16 against Bayern Munich in an epic showdown. President of PSG Nasser Al-Khelaifi spoke to Sky Sports, and he has one English player on his mind.
PSG was once interested in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/qatar2022/Cristiano-Ronaldo-All-falling-apart-benched-with-Portugal-and-pending-move-now-all-but-canceled--20221207-0013.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, but as per Al-Khelaifi the club has their sights on many young players one is a current English national team player that could connect all the dots.
<h2>PSG interested in Jude Bellingham</h2>
When asked by Sky Sports about Jude Bellingham, Nasser Al-Khelaifi responded, that his club was “not going to hide” their interest in the England star. “What a player. Honestly, England are lucky to have him … and he’s one of the best players in the tournament… Amazing and you see his first World Cup — calm and relaxed and confident…Everyone wants him. I’m not going to hide it. But I respect he’s in his club and, respect if we want to talk to him, we talk to the club first.”

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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="412" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:412" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20221207_BUS_208295_jude_bellingham_crop1670439729369.jpg_22069893_8cec4930.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=412" width="740" height="412"></figure><figcaption> Jude Bellingham (Getty Images) </figcaption></figure>
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Bellingham has interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid. The Borussia Dortmund star would almost certainly command a transfer fee in the $100 million range, the 19-year-old has a contract until 2025.
Bellingham has been pivotal for England during the World Cup, scoring his first goal in his 18th cap against Iran at Qatar 2022.
 
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PSG interested in major World Cup star that is not Cristiano Ronaldo

PSG interested in major World Cup star that is not Cristiano Ronaldo - Bolavip US

There’s nothing that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/psgs-kylian-mbappe-not-decided-on-psg-future-and-this-opens-the-doors-for-other-possibilities-20220404-0008.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PSG</a> want more thana <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/teams-who-have-never-won-champions-league-20201203-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UEFA Champions League trophy</a>. Since theFrench club received a financial boost by its new owners a decade ago, winning the continental title has become its life’s mission.
It’s no secret that all the signings <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/after-champions-league-failure-psg-left-asking-whats-next-20220310-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paris Saint-Germain</a> have pulled off over the last few years – and especially last summer – were related to their European ambitions, despite neither of them has been enough to achieve <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/uefa-champions-league-all-time-winners-list-by-year-20210526-0017.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">that goal</a> so far.
However, the Champions League is still on the mind of PSGpresident Nasser Al-Khelaifi, as he not only remains hopeful of seeing his club succeed but also wants the European tournament to become more like the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/super-bowl-2022-halftime-show-funniest-memes-and-reactions-20220213-0028.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NFL’s Super Bowl</a> or American sports in general.
<h2>Nasser Al-Khelaifi suggests how the Champions League could be more attractive</h2>
“I can’t understand how the Super Bowl (might seem) bigger than the Champions League final,” Al-Khelaifi told The Athletic. “The Super Bowl, and the United States in general, has this spirit, this creativity and this sense of entertainment.
“I’ve suggested that we have a Champions League opening ceremony and have a game on an opening night where the previous winners face a big team. It might not be a good idea, but at least let’s challenge the status quo. Each game should be an event and entertainment.”
These kinds of ideas are often criticized in world soccer as many people prefer to preserve tradition rather than turnthese events into an entertainment. However, some decisions – like the pre-game show in the Champions League final – already point inthat direction.It remains to be seen whether there will be more such changes.
 
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PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi's idea to make Champions League more like Super Bowl

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi's idea to make Champions League more like Super Bowl - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/after-champions-league-failure-psg-left-asking-whats-next-20220310-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paris Saint-Germain</a> have once again fallen short in their run for a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/teams-who-have-never-won-champions-league-20201203-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UEFA Champions League</a> trophy. Not even a star-studded squad has been capable of leading PSG to continental glory as the team suffered a disappointing elimination <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/real-madrid-vs-psg-tv-channel-how-and-where-to-watch-or-live-stream-free-second-leg-of-2021-2022-uefa-champions-league-round-of-16-today-20220309-0005.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">against Real Madrid</a>.
PSG were leading 2-0 on aggregate <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/donnarumma-makes-huge-mistake-that-ends-in-real-madrid-goal-memes-and-reactions-20220309-0031.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">until a terrible mistake</a> at the back propelled the hosts to a memorable comeback. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/neymar-reveals-chat-with-donnarumma-to-deny-rumors-of-fight-after-psg-loss-20220310-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gianluigi Donnarumma</a> was in the eye of the storm for conceding the ball that set up <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/karim-benzema-hat-tricks-the-11-times-the-real-madrid-striker-scored-a-treble-20220309-0034.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karim Benzema‘s first goal</a> of the night.
However, the French club’s leaders – as well as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/real-madrid-knock-psg-out-of-the-champions-league-whats-next-for-mauricio-pochettino-20220309-0033.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mauricio Pochettino</a> – felt that goal should have been ruled out forfoul from Benzema to the goalkeeper. That’s why at the end of the game, Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Leonardo have reportedlygone to the referee’s dressing roomto aggresively complain about that situation.
<h2>L’Equipe: UEFA to open disciplinary proceedings against PSG’s Al-Khelaifi, Leonardo</h2>
According to L’Equipe, UEFA will open disciplinary proceedings against the PSG President and the sporting director for their behavior after the final whistle. “Adisciplinary case has been opened against Nasser al-Khelaïfi and Leonardo (president and sports director of PSG, respectively) and more generally against the Parisian club,”the French outlet quoted.
Article 11 of theUEFA Disciplinary Regulations providessanctions for those who breach the “General Principles of Conduct,” including one who “behaves in an insulting way or otherwise contravenes the elementary rules of propriety.”Meanwhile, article 15condemnes the “incorrect behavior of players and officials,” with suspensions and fines for the infringers.
Article 44 claims that “any means of evidence may be used during the investigation and the disciplinary procedure, subject to respect for human dignity.” This includes official reports, testimonies, video recordings, among other sources ordocuments. It has been reported that a member of the Real Madrid squad was recording when Al-Khelaifi went to complain to the referee, so in case that video exists, it can be used in the investigation. It’s understood that UEFA’s disciplinary committee will take into account the official’s report and any images that could be provided from the situation.
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Nasser Al-Khelaifi