Since his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi still has a controversial reputation. He was credited with tensions with his teammates, haughty attitudes in training, and even a marked distance with young players like Vitinha. But one of those who worked with him on a daily basis has just provided a decisive counterpoint. Marco Verratti, pillar of the Parisian wardrobe for more than a decade, spoke in a long interview with Flashscore. And his version of the facts contrasts radically with the stories that have been circulating until now.
“Messi is incredibly simple”
The Italian community wanted to point out the truth about the behavior of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner:
“Messi is incredibly simple; you don’t feel like you’re playing with the best player in the world. He is humble, always the first to train, he loves exercises, he is a wonderful person. » For Verratti, the Argentine star never had the slightest gesture of contempt towards his teammates. On the contrary, he portrays a discreet man, passionate about football and respected by all. Words which directly contradict the rumors of a cold and detached Messi, often wrongly accused of having undermined the Parisian atmosphere.
Marco Verratti defends Lionel Messi and debunks rumors
By also mentioning Neymar and Mbappé, Verratti painted the portrait of a complementary but very different trio. The Brazilian, “always smiling and contagious”and the French, “ obsessed with being the best », embodied two opposing mentalities, while Messi represented the absolute calm of a genius sure of his strength.
A sincere and rare testimony
Now based in Qatar, Verratti speaks frankly, far from the Parisian media tumult. He assures to keep “a very good relationship”
with Messi and continues to follow PSG, notably because his children “are big fans.” In this peaceful testimony, the Little Owl also spoke of his immense attachment to the capital club: “PSG gave me everything, that’s where I became a man. »
Beyond the Messi case, this interview above all reveals a peaceful Verratti, lucid about his career and proud of his roots. He talks about Zdeněk Zeman, his mentor at Pescara, his Euro 2020 victory with Italy, and his new life in Qatar, where he “ discover another rhythm, another culture.” But from his words, a message clearly emerges: giants like Messi do not deserve caricatures, and only those who have shared their locker room can measure their greatness.
