PSG
PSG: Mbappe outshining Messi as Barcelona form eludes Argentina captain in Ligue 1
The French media is underwhelmed by Leo Messi's performances for PSG following his move from Barcelona as Mbappé coninues seduce Paris.
Despite providing an assist for Kylian Mbappé in last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Monaco, Leo Messi’s performances for PSG since his free transfer from Barcelona are continuing to attract criticism in the French media. L’Equipe, which is in charge of providing ratings for all Ligue 1 games, has once again given Messi a fail grade after Sunday’s game, the third consecutive time the prestigious publication has found plenty lacking in the Argentina captain’s performances for the Parc des Princes outfit.
L’Equipe handed Messi a paltry four out of 10 for his showing against Monaco, noting: “Played in a false nine role, he floundered considerably. Monaco shut him down well in his preferred area of operation 18 metres out. Other than his assist for Mbappé and a shot against the post in the 71st minute, he was unusually wasteful, including when he had opportunities from free kicks.”
Le Parisien "expects more" from Messi
Le Parisien, PSG’s closest ally in the French press, was slightly more generous but still only awarded Messi a 4.5. “We expect more precision from the seven-times Ballon d’Or winner, who missed many simple passes. But, even so, he was decisive. In PSG’s second goal, he intercepted a poor pass by Fofana, pinned down the opposition defence and fed Mbappé. He should have done better when Mbappé put him through after the break.”
Mbappé, who is being constantly linked with a move to Real Madrid but is still delivering on a weekly basis for PSG, was again the star performer against Monaco. The France forward received an ovation after scoring both goals, which took his tally in Ligue 1 along to 100 goals. L'Équipe awarded Mbappé a 7/10 and Le Parisien, as they had with Messi, added a half point to their counterparts’ rating.
Such has been Mbappé influence in Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the absence of the injured Neymar and with Messi struggling to find his form, OnzeMondial suggested that the Argentinean was none too happy with the Parc des Princes saluting his teammate’s performance: “Messi left the pitch swiftly after the final whistle, an indication of his frustration at the moment. Lionel again had a difficult evening but fortunately Kylian Mbappé took matters into his own hands.”