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PSG president hits back at Lionel Messi over World Cup comment as ‘respect’ claim made

Back in December 2022, Messi inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar after a pulsating final against France.

However, Messi claimed during a recent interview that he was the only member of the Argentina squad to not be honoured by his club.

He told ESPN Argentina: “I was the only player of the [squad] that didn’t get a [club] recognition.

“It was understandable … because of us [Argentina], they didn’t retain the World Cup.”

Now, PSG president Al Khelaifi has hit back at Messi’s claims.

He told French news outlet RMC Sport: “As everyone saw, because we even published a video, we celebrated Messi in training, and we also celebrated him in private.

“But with respect, we are a French club. It was of course sensitive to celebrate at the stadium. We must respect the country he defeated, his teammates on the France team, and our supporters too.