Why Is Messi Flopping in Ligue 1?

As of August 2023, Lionel Messi had completed his first season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after leaving Barcelona in 2021. During the 2021-2022 season, Messi faced some challenges in Ligue 1, which led to perceptions of him struggling to meet the expectations. However, it's important to clarify that Messi is not merely flopping; rather, it's an adjustment and adaptation period for him in a new league. Let's dive into the reasons for these perceptions and analyze what the future holds for him.

Adjustment to a New League

Transitioning from La Liga to Ligue 1 was a significant challenge. La Liga is known for its technical, skillful, and tactical playing style, which differs markedly from the physical and pacey nature of Ligue 1. Adapting to a new league and cultural environment takes time, and players often need several seasons to fully acclimate to the changes.

High Expectations

Coming off a legendary career at Barcelona, Lionel Messi faced extraordinarily high expectations. Fans and analysts anticipated that he would dominate the Ligue 1 similar to his performances in Spain. These expectations do not hinder the player but rather become double-edged swords, amplifying both the praise and criticism. Any misstep or underwhelming performance can be readily pounced upon by critics.

Injuries and Fitness

During his tenure at PSG, Messi dealt with some injuries that affected his ability to perform consistently throughout the season. Injuries can significantly curtail a player's effectiveness, regardless of their natural talent and skill level. Recovering from injuries and regaining peak form is a challenge that most professional athletes face at some point in their careers.

Team Dynamics

PSG boasts a star-studded roster with players like Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, Thomas Meunier, ángel Di María, and Having such a wealth of talent can lead to less cohesive team dynamics, especially with multiple high-profile players. This can make it challenging for Messi to integrate seamlessly into the team and showcase his full range of talents. Balancing individual performances with team goals requires careful coordination and understanding among all players.

Style of Play

The tactical approach employed by coaches like Mauricio Pochettino and later Christophe Galtier can also impact how well Messi performs. While PSG has a strong attacking lineup, the emphasis on defensive organization and strategic positioning might sometimes come at the expense of maximizing Messi's strengths. Coaches often have different ideas about tactics and how to best use their players, and this can sometimes lead to adjustments that are only temporary.

Pressure and Criticism

The intense scrutiny from the media and fans can weigh heavily on players, potentially affecting their on-field performance. Messi, being one of the most scrutinized players globally, faces an extra layer of pressure. Any perceived mistake or suboptimal outing can be magnified, making the expectations even greater in future matches.

Despite these challenges, Messi still contributed significantly to PSG's success, including winning the Ligue 1 title. However, the perception of his performance against certain teams can be mixed.

Conclusion

Messi's season in Ligue 1 has been a period of adjustment and adaptation. While he may not be at the peak of his game as we have seen in previous leagues, the challenges he faces are understandable given the differences in league style and expectations. As he continues to integrate and understand his new teammates, the Star Trio will undoubtedly complement each other. Once the chemistry between Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé is fully established, we can expect to see Messi at his best in Ligue 1, as he has always been.

Leo Messi is capable of great things, and it's only a matter of time before he returns to his dominant form in the Ligue 1.