PSG president hits back at Lionel Messi over World Cup comment as 'respect' claim made

Paris Saint Germain president Nasser Al Khelaifi has hit back at Lionel Messi over the Argentine’s World Cup claims.

“It was understandable ... because of us [Argentina], they didn’t retain the World Cup.”

“But with respect, we are a French club. It was of course sensitive to celebrate at the stadium. We must respect the country he defeated, his teammates on the France team, and our supporters too.”

As shown by a video posted by PSG back in January, Messi was given a guard of honour by both players and staff as he returned to training with the Parc des Princes club.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner subsequently left PSG in the summer as he ditched European football altogether by signing for MLS outfit Inter Miami.

During the interview with ESPN Argentina, Messi also spoke about his future with Argentina, he said: “I do think about the Copa América [in 2024],” he said. “After the Copa América we will see, it depends on how I feel. I will see how I feel day by day, there are three years to go.

“I don’t notice if my level of play is declining, I stop and play as always. But there is a reality: I’m older, I have a thousand games behind me, and time passes for everyone.”