Fans turn on Messi as PSG's season hits new low in embarrassing 1-0 loss to Lyon.
The struggles of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) continued unabated, with the team suffering its second straight home defeat. A solitary goal from Bradley Barcola 10 minutes into the second half was enough for Lyon to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the French giants.
For many PSG fans in attendance, however, the night took an even more bitter turn than expected. As Lionel Messi's name appeared on the big screen during the announcement of the starting lineup, some fans couldn't resist expressing their discontent with a chorus of whistling. The reaction seemed to be a world away from the adoration and fanfare that Messi typically receives upon his appearances.
The pressure on PSG is mounting as they sit six points behind leaders Lens and Marseille in the Ligue 1 table. With both teams just a single point behind, even the domestic title may now be slipping through their grasp.
PSG's recent form has been a far cry from the expectations surrounding Messi's return to the club. Despite his impressive goal contributions this season, with 34 in all competitions, including 18 goals and 17 assists, many are now questioning whether Messi is truly making a difference.
Coach Christophe Galtier refused to lay blame at Messi's feet, stating that he tries hard but also acknowledging that the other players need to step up their performance. "We can't expect everything from Leo and Kylian," Galtier said in a press conference.
The pressure will only intensify for PSG as they face off against an unbeaten Nice side next, before hosting Lens at home. The team's recent form has been alarming, with two consecutive defeats since their Champions League exit to Bayern Munich last month. Their latest win came via a late Kylian Mbappé winner over relegation-threatened Brest.
Lyon head coach Laurent Blanc echoed Galtier's sentiments on the impact of expectations surrounding PSG's performances. "Paris' problem is when the No. 1 objective of the Champions League is no longer accessible, it seems that the season no longer exists – and at all levels," he said in a post-match interview.
With Messi facing mounting criticism from fans, coaches, and pundits alike, there are growing concerns about whether the Argentine's presence can salvage PSG's flagging title hopes.
The struggles of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) continued unabated, with the team suffering its second straight home defeat. A solitary goal from Bradley Barcola 10 minutes into the second half was enough for Lyon to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the French giants.
For many PSG fans in attendance, however, the night took an even more bitter turn than expected. As Lionel Messi's name appeared on the big screen during the announcement of the starting lineup, some fans couldn't resist expressing their discontent with a chorus of whistling. The reaction seemed to be a world away from the adoration and fanfare that Messi typically receives upon his appearances.
The pressure on PSG is mounting as they sit six points behind leaders Lens and Marseille in the Ligue 1 table. With both teams just a single point behind, even the domestic title may now be slipping through their grasp.
PSG's recent form has been a far cry from the expectations surrounding Messi's return to the club. Despite his impressive goal contributions this season, with 34 in all competitions, including 18 goals and 17 assists, many are now questioning whether Messi is truly making a difference.
Coach Christophe Galtier refused to lay blame at Messi's feet, stating that he tries hard but also acknowledging that the other players need to step up their performance. "We can't expect everything from Leo and Kylian," Galtier said in a press conference.
The pressure will only intensify for PSG as they face off against an unbeaten Nice side next, before hosting Lens at home. The team's recent form has been alarming, with two consecutive defeats since their Champions League exit to Bayern Munich last month. Their latest win came via a late Kylian Mbappé winner over relegation-threatened Brest.
Lyon head coach Laurent Blanc echoed Galtier's sentiments on the impact of expectations surrounding PSG's performances. "Paris' problem is when the No. 1 objective of the Champions League is no longer accessible, it seems that the season no longer exists – and at all levels," he said in a post-match interview.
With Messi facing mounting criticism from fans, coaches, and pundits alike, there are growing concerns about whether the Argentine's presence can salvage PSG's flagging title hopes.