Paris Saint-Germain ace Neymar has slammed those who had criticized teammate Lionel Messi following PSG’s 4-0 victory against Nantes in the Trophee des Champions. The Argentine attacker was instrumental in the French champions’ first trophy win of the season, scoring the game-winning goal against last season’s Coupe de France winners.
Messi and Neymar were heavily criticised last season for failing to live up to expectations, but they have made the finest possible start to the 2022-23 season.
What Did Neymar Say About Messi?
When asked if Sunday’s performance marked the start of a new Messi era at PSG, Neymar defended his teammate.
“I don’t think so. I think people talk too much,” he told Prime Video. “They don’t know what’s going on every day, what’s going on inside.
“Leo, it’s Leo. It’s still Leo, it doesn’t change. No, he continues to make the difference. He adapts.
🔝🏆 𝑳𝒆𝒐 𝑴𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊 named MVP in the #TDC2022 ! ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/1BsGUKexGn
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 31, 2022
“It is obvious that we hope that everything goes well for the three of us, for me, for Leo, for Kylian [Mbappe]. If the three of us are well, I’m sure it’s good for the team.”
He continued: “I’m satisfied, we had a very good match with the team. It’s very important to start winning, it’s a match that ends in a trophy. Whatever happens, you have to win.”
What Is Expected Of Messi At PSG?
PSG fans criticised Messi and Neymar last season after the team failed to win the Champions League.
They were ousted in the final 16 after losing to eventual champions Real Madrid.
Messi put up impressive stats in Europe, scoring five goals in seven games, but his record of six goals in Ligue 1 left many disappointed, despite his 14 assists.
Much more is expected of the ex-Barcelona star this time around, as PSG seeks additional silverware under new coach Christophe Galtier.
Neymar, who scored twice against Nantes on Sunday, is also under pressure to make a larger impact in the final third after concluding the 2021-22 season with 13 goals and six assists in the French top flight.
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