PARIS, France — A cacophony of jeers and boos echoed around Parc des Princes on Saturday, May 13, 2023, as Paris Saint-Germain, PSG, stalwarts turned their backs on football legend, Lionel Messi, in a stark demonstration of discontent that has sent shockwaves through the world of soccer.
Fresh off a two-week suspension, Messi, 35, was caught in a storm of vitriol upon his return in PSG’s clash against AC Ajaccio.
The hostile reception marked a dramatic shift for a player who has, until recently, been celebrated as one of the sport’s greatest.
The Argentine footballer had found himself under scrutiny earlier this month when he was suspended by the club’s management for traveling to Saudi Arabia without prior consent.
Even though Messi has since pleaded for forgiveness, it seems the fans are far from ready to forget.
Saturday’s match, however, was a vivid display of the fans’ disapproval.
As the stadium announcer blared Messi’s name, a chorus of boos drowned out any applause, a stark contrast to the euphoric cheers that met the announcement of Kylian Mbappe, the 2022 World Cup winner.
“Fans are a big part of football, they’re the soul of the club. It’s painful to see such a great player like Messi face this,” said Pierre Leclerc, a longtime PSG supporter, his voice heavy with disappointment.
“But he must respect the rules, the club, and the fans. It’s a two-way relationship.”
Throughout the match, the animosity did not wane. Every touch of the ball by Messi was met with derision, particularly in the early stages of the game, further emphasizing the discord between the football icon and the PSG faithful.
As the beautiful game becomes marred by off-field controversies, the question remains as to how Messi, a player of extraordinary talent, will navigate the turbulent waters at PSG.
Whether this represents a momentary lapse or a long-term shift in the relationship between Messi and the fans is yet to be seen.
For now, the football world watches and waits, as one of its most celebrated stars grapples with an unexpected fall from grace in the city of lights.
