Lionel Messi has explained how he felt a “fracture” between himself and sections of Paris Saint-Germain fans.
The Argentina legend will be making the move to Major League Soccer team Inter Miami this summer after his contract with PSG expires. The 36-year-old’s deal expires at the end of June when he will then officially become a free agent before signing for Miami.
Messi is currently enjoying a break following his efforts for club and country during a long season. He will officially become a Miami player in July, although the exact length of the contract is yet to be determined.
During his time in Paris, Messi was occasionally booed by sections of PSG fans following the team’s exit from the Champions League over the last two years. Despite this, though, Messi says he’ll remember the fans who supported him during his spell in the French capital.
"Well, I think in the beginning it was something wonderful," Messi told beIN Sports. "Same as the reception I had when I arrived. But then some people started to treat me differently, a part of the Paris supporters.
"I think the vast majority still see me and treat me as they did at the beginning, but there was a fracture with a significant group of the Paris fans, which obviously wasn't my intention, far from it. And well, it happened just as it happened before with [Kylian] Mbappe, with Neymar. I know that's the way they behave.
"But, well, I'll take away with me the people who respected me, as I always respected everyone since I arrived and that's all. It's an anecdote."
Messi added: "So, I think the World Cup affects everything for different situations, because of the timing in the season.
"I don't think it is an excuse, either, because many of the players went to the World Cup, but I think that in general the level of the league or the Champions League has felt a little bit of the wear and tear of the World Cup, even though we won it. Everyone comes back in a different way for different reasons."
Messi will not be alone in being a new addition to the Miami squad this summer. He will be joined by his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, who has already been confirmed as a new signing for the MLS outfit.
Miami have been struggling in MLS this season, and currently lie at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Messi’s official debut for the club could come against Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21 at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
