Lionel Messi Was ‘Unhappy’ With Mauricio Pochettino at PSG

Writing has always been Josh's way of expressing his deep enthusiasm for sports, and this new path allows him to bring a fresh and honest perspective to his work.

He also gains valuable experience as a volunteer match reporter for the Loughborough Foxes WFC. Covering live events has helped Josh improve his storytelling skills and given him a closer insight into the game. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account Five years ago, Paris Saint-Germain was home to both Lionel Messi and Mauricio Pochettino. Today, you can find them both stateside, with Inter Miami and the USMNT, respectively.

Back in 2021, though, the pair were supposed to be central figures in PSG's quest for Champions League glory, with the club having assembled one of the most star-studded squads in football history, featuring names such as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria.

Instead, the Messi-Pochettino pairing turned sour almost immediately, with reports at the time suggesting the Argentine superstar had serious doubts over his compatriot's tactics and grip on the dressing room.

So, what actually went wrong between the two?

Messi was said to believe Pochettino's setup was simply too restrictive, with him being utilised as an attacking midfielder most of the time, rather than his preferred position on the right flank.

From Lionel Messi to Diego Maradona, Argentina have time and again produced true greats of the game.

The numbers backed up some of that frustration, with Messi managing just six league goals, compared to the 30 he scored for Barcelona in La Liga the season before, although he found considerably more joy in the Champions League, scoring five goals in seven matches.

French outlet L'Equipe reported that those in Messi's inner circle feared Pochettino lacked any authority, with respect for the manager being near-enough non-existent among PSG's biggest names.

Looking back, the warning signs were there from Messi's very first appearance at the Parc des Princes. Coming on against Lyon, Messi was substituted in the 75th minute and refused to shake Pochettino's hand as he walked off, a moment that hinted at the friction to come.

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That early snub proved to be more than just a one-off flash of frustration. In early 2022, Messi was accused of “disrespecting” Pochettino after deciding to stay home with COVID-19 and not inform his manager.

Pochettino would eventually depart the Parc des Princes, while Messi stayed another year, but both of their PSG spells are now remembered as a chapter that never matched the hype, after getting nowhere near the Champions League title they looked destined to win, on paper at least.