Lionel Messi had a very unique 2021-22 season. Having won the Copa America, he was on the verge of extending his contract with Barcelona. However, the financial crunch at the Blaugrana meant that they could not afford to keep Messi.
PSG snapped him up and the ensuing campaign has not been easy. Messi struggled to score, missed several games due to recurring injuries, and PSG suffered a meltdown against Real Madrid.
Though they won the Ligue 1 title, it would have been scant consolation. Messi’s own form had led many to suggest whether he was finished at the top level or just the result of a new environment bogging him down. As he prepares to face Italy in the Finalissima 2022, Messi gave a tell-all interview regarding the past year and thoughts on the future. Here are the main takeaways from it.
Karim Benzema for Ballon d’Or
Speaking on this year’s possible winners, Messi firmly endorsed Karim Benzema as the favourite by saying he “deserves to win Ballon d’Or.” Indeed, the French striker had an outstanding season with 50+ goal contributions. Real Madrid won the La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Champions League titles, thanks in large part to Benzema’s heroics.
#Messi has no doubts about @Benzema winning the Ballan d’Or this year👏😎#Benzema #PSG #leomessi @TeamMessi #Karimbenzema pic.twitter.com/YSjFIgaGJs
— FootTheBall FC (@FootTheBallFC) May 30, 2022
Moreover, he was also the winner of the Pichichi Trophy, given to the leading goal scorer in La Liga. There is almost no one who can claim to have this much success in 2021-22. Messi also dismissed Robert Lewandowski’s earlier comments of missing out on the Ballon d’Or, stating,
“I’m not interested in what Lewandowski said. I said that he deserved the Ballon d’Or before but not the year I won it.”
Uncertain future after the World Cup
Messi shed a bit more light on the comments he had already made about his…
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