Lionel Messi doesn't 'respect' PSG! President Nasser Al-Khelaifi slams Inter Miami star following repeated criticism of Ligue 1 side

The World Cup-winning Argentine parted ways with the Ligue 1 club last summer, calling time on a spell which saw him record an impressive 67 goal contributions in 75 matches. Despite a stellar individual effort, PSG again flattered to deceive on the continental stage, and Messi has since come out with some less-than-positive words about his life in the French capital.

Club president Al-Khelaifi has now responded to such criticism, telling RMC Sport on Tuesday: "We talk when we are there, not when we are gone. I have great respect for him [Messi] but if someone wants to talk badly about Paris Saint-Germain after [his departure], it’s not good. That's not respect [...] He's not a bad guy, but I don't like that. It's not just for him, but for everyone."

Messi secured a blockbuster move to MLS side Inter Miami after his time in Paris came to a close, and made an immediate impact stateside. The 36-year-old helped the Herons win the 2023 Leagues Cup - the first trophy in their history. Fast forward six months and Messi's former strike partner Kylian Mbappe could also be leaving the Parc des Princes, although Al-Khelaifi revealed the pair had an unspecified "gentlemen's agreement".

The Argentina captain is enjoying some well-earned rest as MLS breaks for the offseason. He faces a meeting with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo in a friendly in Riyadh on February 1.