There was a feeling of deja vu this March when Paris Saint-Germain met Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League for the sixth time since Lionel Messi joined PSG in 2021. Each time, it seemed inevitable that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner would script a victory fitting of football royalty and vault his team into the next round. Unfortunately for Messi, that was not to be – incurring yet another bitter defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich with an aggregate score of 3-0 by the close of the second leg match. It marked the fifth consecutive knockout stage elimination at the hands of the German champions, including an 8-2 humiliation while in Barcelona colours two years prior. Paris Saint-Germain will be keen to ensure history does not repeat itself next season but with Bayern on an unprecedented roll, they face a daunting challenge ahead.
Thomas Muller’s sentiments towards Lionel Messi after Bayern Munich booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals were clearly grounded in admiration. His comment that “against Messi, at club level, things always go well at all levels in terms of results” serves as proof that Bayern enjoys a healthy respect for the Argentinian’s talent and accomplishments. However, what made his comments even more noteworthy is that he acknowledged the difficulties faced by any team which Messi is part of – most notably the lack of balance when playing with Paris Saint-Germain. Furthermore, Muller alluded to Messi’s inspiring performance at this summer’s FIFA World Cup where he singlehandedly led Argentina deep into competition despite daunting odds. As such it appears clear that every team who competes against Messi knows just how capable he can be on both an individual and collective scale.
With his contract at Parc des Princes due to expire in the summer, questions continue to be asked about how much longer Messi will stay at PSG and if he has another European campaign left in him. Messi still remains one of the world’s most feared strikers and despite his age, is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. His commitment and loyalty to PSG has been proved through his hard work, attitude and goals which set him apart from the rest. No doubt Messi wants more success- first with PSG and then with whatever challenge may come next. Whether it be continued greatness at PSG or a yet another new adventure. Whichever path he takes, there will undoubtedly be more success for one of world football’s greatest players.
