Messi will not parade the trophy at the Parc des Princes. Due to a potential response from fans, Paris Saint-Germain has chosen not to allow World Cup winner Lionel Messi to parade the trophy at the Parc des Princes. Wednesday’s Ligue 1 match between PSG and Angers will mark Messi’s return to action following Argentina’s victory over France in the Qatar 2022 final on December 18.
Le Parisien, a French publication, said that the club will not permit the Argentine captain to display the World Cup trophy on their home field, as is customary for returning champions, out of concern for probable jeers and whistles from his supporters.
Due to the remarks made by Albiceleste goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez at Kylian Mbappe before and after the championship, Messi may be vulnerable to harassment from French supporters. When Martinez carried a baby doll with Mbappe’s face attached during Argentina’s homecoming parade in Buenos Aires, Messi was nearby.
Le Parisien further reports that the club believes that Messi’s guard of honor upon his return to training was an adequate greeting for the World Cup winner, noting the three-and-a-half-week delay as another reason why the on-field presentation was postponed.
Unlike fellow World Cup finalist Kylian Mbappe, Messi is available for selection by manager Christophe Galtier against Angers despite missing out on the opportunity to display the illustrious trophy at Parc des Princes. As it is reported that negotiations for a new contract have begun, Messi may decide to stay in the French city through the end of the current campaign. The trophy parade has been postponed, so it’s unclear if Messi will start against Angers or contribute from the bench.
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