Thai official condemns Messi’s role in Champions League clashes with Bayern
The Thai football federation chief, Turki Al-Dabaan, has criticized Lionel Messi for appearing in Champions League fixtures against Bayern Munich, suggesting the star’s presence on the field was not ideal for PSG in that knockout pairing.
Al-Dabaan told SBC that signing a high-caliber player who seems distracted or detached from the action would not benefit the team, explaining his concern about Messi participating in the decisive matches against Bayern.
In the round-of-16 series against Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain were edged out with 0:1 in the first leg and 0:2 in the return, with Messi featured in both contests and performing to his standard level. The Argentine forward moved to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021, leaving Barcelona after a storied 18-year tenure that yielded ten La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies, among other achievements.
Across this season in Ligue 1, Messi has contributed 13 goals and 13 assists in 23 league matches. In Europe, he has added 4 goals and 4 assists across six Champions League appearances so far this campaign.
Messi’s PSG contract was reported to run through June 2023, with discussions around future opportunities continuing to surface in football circles.
On the broader stage, Messi has long been viewed as a fierce rival to Cristiano Ronaldo, particularly during their time in Europe. His pay package has been a subject of widespread debate within the sport’s economics, with reports indicating a substantial annual figure under the PSG arrangement.
There were earlier reports that Messi had requested his father meet with Barcelona president Joan Laporta regarding a potential return to the club, a topic that resurfaced amid ongoing speculation about the forward’s career trajectory.
At present, observers note Messi’s influence extends beyond statistics, shaping tactical approaches and branding for PSG. His presence in big European nights remains a talking point for fans, analysts, and executives who track how star players impact knockout-stage performance and team dynamics. Citations: attribution to coverage by sports journalists and outlets where the details were discussed.