Why PSG Won’t Let Messi Parade World Cup Trophy On Pitch

Paris Saint-Germain have opted not to let World Cup winner Lionel Messi parade the trophy at the Parc des Princes due to a possible fan backlash.

Wednesday’s Ligue 1 match between PSG and Angers will mark Messi’s return to action following Argentina’s victory over France in the Qatar 2022 final on December 18.

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However, Le Parisien, a French publication, said that the club will not permit the Argentine captain to display the World Cup trophy on their home field, as is customary for returning champions, out of concern for probable jeers and whistles from his own supporters.

Messi might be open to abuse from the French fans due to the taunts of Albiceleste ‘keeper Emiliano Martinez to Kylian Mbappe before and after the final. Messi was standing next to Martinez when he held a baby doll with Mbappe’s face stuck to it during Argentina’s homecoming parade in Buenos Aires.

Furthermore, Le Parisien write that the club feel the guard of honour given to Messi upon his return to training was a sufficient welcome for the World Cup winner, citing also the three-and-a-half week gap as another contributing factor to the on-field presentation not going ahead.

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Despite not having the opportunity to display the illustrious trophy at Parc des Princes, Messi is still a viable option for manager Christophe Galtier to select against Angers, unlike fellow World Cup finalist Kylian Mbappe. Given that negotiations for a new contract are apparently under way, Messi may decide to stay in Paris past the season’s end.

The trophy parade has been postponed, so it’s unclear if Messi will start against Angers or contribute from the bench.