Thierry Henry has launched a passionate defence of Lionel Messi after the Argentine icon was booed by PSG supporters.
Messi was heavily booed and heckled by sections of the PSG fanbase in last weekend's 3-0 Ligue 1 victory over Bordeaux at the Parc de Princes. The reaction from his own fans marks an incredible turnaround from the special reception he received upon his arrival in Paris after leaving Barcelona last summer.
PSG's win was overshadowed by their latest Champions League failure, as fans let their feelings known after a second-leg capitulation against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu just days earlier. Brazilian star Neymar was also among those booed - but Kylian Mbappe escaped the cold reception from supporters.
Messi has underwhelmed in the French capital since leaving Catalonia following an incredible 17-year spell of greatness the summer. He has scored just two goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino and was signed with the expectation of propelling the club to European glory.
But PSG were defeated 3-0 away to Monaco on Sunday with Messi absent due to illness. Pochettino's side remain 13 points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table but a third defeat in five adds more pressure on the former Tottenham boss.
While Messi has been criticised for failing to replicate his incredible goal record in Paris, French legend Henry could not believe he was booed despite being 'the greatest of all-time'. The former Arsenal striker praised Messi's creative impact and dismissed such a negative reaction to a footballing genius.
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"Last week, PSG fans booed Messi. How can you boo the greatest of all-time? The guy that has assisted the most goals in Ligue 1?," he said on Amazon Prime FR following PSG's latest defeat. "Today, without Messi the team created nothing."
Messi shares the current highest assist tally in the French top flight, registering ten, the same number as mercurial teammate Mbappe and Rennes star Benjamin Bourigeaud. He is still likely to lift the French domestic crown this season, but his experience in Paris is becoming more and more uncomfortable.
New Barcelona boss Xavi recently stated the door is always open for Messi to make a dramatic return while he is in charge at the Nou Camp. "I think Messi is the best in history and in the history of the club," he said.
"The doors will be open, and as long as I’m a coach, it’s as if he can come every day if he wants. As a club we owe him a great tribute. He has a contract with PSG and I can’t do much more."
