Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi was jeered by a group of fans ahead of his side's Ligue 1 defeat against Lyon. The French club suffered their second consecutive defeat at home on Sunday, losing 1-0 to Olympique Lyonnais.
The 2022 World Cup winner was subjected to booing from some PSG fans when his name was announced in the line-up ahead of their clash on April 2. This is the second time Messi has faced a similar incident from French fans, with the previously jeered during a 2-0 loss to Rennes on March 19.
This is the 3rd time PSG fans have booed Messi. Sad.pic.twitter.com/KMudRLtvNg
— Preeti (@MadridPreeti) April 2, 2023
Leo is a player who gives a lot: Galtier
After his side's defeat to Lyon, coach Christophe Galtier expressed his disappointment with the way Messi was treated by the fans. "Whistles against Leo Messi are very harsh. Leo is a player who gives a lot. He also gave a lot in the first part of the season. But it is also up to other players to have more functions," he said.
"I find them hard. We are waiting for Leo and Kylian (Mbappé) to unblock the situation. We can’t expect everything from Leo and Kylian. Leo tried and succeeded in some things, mismatches or otherwise. But he also missed technical relationships with his partners," said Galtier.
Messi was one of the top performers of the club in their loss to Lyon. The 35-year-old created a few chances, completed four dribbles and delivered five accurate crosses. However, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner could lead his team to victory as the visitors held firm to clinch the battle at the Parc des Princes.
"There was still a lot of density. These whistles are hard in my opinion because he gave a lot in the first part of the season. He was a passer and scorer in 2023. It is also up to others to do more to bring more danger," Galtier added.
Twitter has been flooded with mixed reactions to Golden Ball winner of Qatar WC. While some criticized him for not being able to win games for PSG, others supported the legend.
Here's how Twitter reacted to Messi being booed by fans:
genuinely think Messi should leave PSG
— Adédìran✨ (@diran_sokan) April 3, 2023
Booing one of the greatest player of all time....
— NIO Admirer (@NIOAdmirer) April 3, 2023
I would feel privileged seeing him play.
— نايف الصويدر (@naiif_al10) April 3, 2023
Deserves it
— Junior (Alpha Male) 🥷 (@PirateStyle7) April 3, 2023
They will regret ever booing Leo Messi 👌
— ҽɖafҽ pҽtҽɾ'ى 💙❤️ (@Edafepeter101) April 3, 2023
Its never a good idea to do something like this!! The players are giving all out for their teams out there!!
— DeFiMasters (@DeFimasters1) April 3, 2023
They thought the finished man will give them CL trophy.
— Ten Bald 🇳🇱 (@TenBaldy) April 3, 2023
messi deserved it for single handedly destroying the super UCL winning PSG side😭
— Анап (@ahanrmcf) April 3, 2023
He was the best PSG player on the pitch 🤣
— Daksh Kapoor (@D4KSH_05) April 3, 2023
Best to leave PSG and return to Barça 😮💨
— Deebo🇦🇷🐐 (@clueless_Deebo) April 3, 2023