Paris Saint-Germain chiefs are concerned that Lionel Messi ‘s request to display the World Cup trophy may cause ugly scenes from the club’s supporters.
- Netherlands star Weghorst hits back at Lionel Messi after World Cup fight
- Arsenal goal named among six VAR errors in Premier League this season
- Piers Morgan launches attack on Lionel Messi over World Cup celebrations
Messi captained Argentina to winning the World Cup on Sunday, scoring twice as they beat France on penalties. It was the first time La Albiceleste have won the trophy since 1986, an achievement which sparked huge celebrations back in South America.
But tensions have been growing amid Emiliano Martinez’s feud with Kylian Mbappe and with fans burning a cardboard grave with Mbappe’s name on. Those tensions could be inflamed when Messi returns to PSG after Argentina’s celebrations.
According to GOAL, Messi has requested he be allowed to present the World Cup trophy at the club’s stadium. It has become tradition for players to present personal accolades ahead of their first match back after winning them.
Unfortunately for Messi though, the fact he plays for the French capital’s club is creating a roadblock for that to happen. It is said that the PSG hierarchy are ‘hesitating’ about accepting his request.
They fear that the PSG home crowd may find it hard to digest Messi presenting the trophy, having beaten their national team in the final. The ‘provocations’ from Argentina stars towards France and Mbappe could cause of ‘overflow’ of emotion.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi congratulated Messi for winning the World Cup.
“Will we keep Messi and Mbappe? Of course. They are the two best players in the World Cup. I don’t want to say anything more about Leo, we have an agreement to talk after the World Cup,” he said.
“Most importantly, as a club, PSG have broken all records. We are proud of them and also of Achraf [Hakimi], who finished fourth with Morocco. In my opinion, it was the best final in the history of the World Cups.
“I am sad for France, as the president of a French club. Sad for Kylian, who played a more than perfect game. If it had been me, I would have given two trophies, one for Kylian and one for Leo.
“It was difficult for me because I was going with France. But I’m also happy for Messi, it is the icing on the cake for him, he deserves it, and Kylian still has years to go to win the World Cup again.”
