In the third round of Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain beat Lille 7-1 away.
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The most important thing for the success of this game is that Verratti and Vitinha, the two ball handlers, did their job well. Neymar is positioned further up the pitch, while Messi passes the ball to him. Messi is at the rhythm of the game as a number 10, like a pianist. I see that he has changed too, he has less time with the ball than at Barcelona.
If you were to ask me what I saw in that game, I would say I saw a perfect fit between the players. And Messi’s “support”. In his current position, he is more about helping Neymar and Mbappe than thinking about goals and Ballon d’Or.
- Messi falls off Ballon d’Or shortlist for first absence in nearly 16 years
There is no Messi on the 30-man shortlist for the 2022 Ballon d’Or. This is the first time he has missed out in nearly 16 years. Many people feel pity for him, but Messi doesn’t seem to care. In fact, from an objective point of view, it is indeed expected that this time was not selected.
The selection cycle for the Golden Globes is from August last year to July this year. This period coincides with Messi’s first season at PSG after leaving Barcelona. According to the selection rules, although he led Argentina to the Copa America title last July, it will not be included in it. What’s more, Messi did not go well in Ligue 1 last season.
Entering a new club for the first time, he needs a certain amount of time to adapt. Less than a month after joining Paris Saint-Germain, Messi injured his knee and was out of action for four weeks. Soon after, he was infected with the new crown and rested for two weeks again. Messi admits that adapting to Paris Saint-Germain and injuries have been a big factor in his athleticism.
But then again, what does it matter if he misses the list. Messi already has seven Ballon d’Or awards, so it doesn’t matter if he’s not selected this time. As the defending champion of the Ballon d’Or, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, and the third ball king, Messi’s achievements are hard to be surpassed.
To put it bluntly, the Golden Globes are just a tribute to the past, and it does not have much reference to what will happen in the future. Who can guarantee that Messi will not lead PSG to the top of the club, and who can guarantee that Messi will not show his power again in the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
