Lionel Messi's time in Paris so far hasn't been much of a fairytale.
The 34-year-old has set high standards for himself after his time at Barcelona, but as far as PSG are concerned, the story is still being written.
Paris Saint-Germain are flying high domestically and are 1-0 up on Real Madrid going into their second Champions League last 16 leg.
Fifteen points separate the French giants and second-placed Marseille in Ligue 1 and it looks like they'll run away with the title this season.
However, Messi's two goals in Ligue 1 thus far have come across as underwhelming for some. Injury issues have restricted him to fourteen league starts.
He has bagged eleven assists, which isn't a bad haul by any means, given the attacking talent on display for PSG week-in week-out.
Messi On French Criticism
It's in Europe where Messi has come to life, with five goals in six appearances in the Champions League this season. After PSG's first Round of 16 leg, he came under fire.
French sporting outlet L'Equipe gave him a 3 out of 10 rating, while Le Parisien rated him 3.5 for his efforts against old rivals Real Madrid.
L'Equipe rated Messi's game 🆚 Real Madrid with 3 points.
How would you rate his #UCL match? pic.twitter.com/LpeSurqQOM— Gloria ⚽️ (@GloriaFootball) February 16, 2022
L'Equipe said, 'There's something sad about seeing him like that' in their review of Messi's performance, even going as far to say 'this Messi is worrying.'
Reports from Le Parisien suggest Messi is 'angry' at the French media's treatment of him since his arrival at Parc de Princes.
"It has even become a subject in the PSG locker room, where the Argentinian confided his amazement to several influential executives from the Loges (PSG Training Ground) camp."
"The Argentine star does not at all appreciate the comments on his performances in the French press."
According to the report, Messi believes the negativity surrounding him is 'knowingly maintained' to target PSG and the club's management, as opposed to him directly.
Many players have come to his aide, including longtime friend Sergio Aguero and former Arsenal man Cesc Fabregas, believing the criticism is overblown.
Over the weekend, Messi was given a 7 out of 10 rating by L'Equipe and made it into their team of the week, after PSG beat St-Étienne 3-1.
The French giants have a one-goal advantage heading into the second leg of their Champions League last 16 match against Madrid, which takes place at The Bernabeu next week.
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