He knew he had to do a lot more - Ex-PSG star explains why Lionel Messi endured difficult first season in Paris Notifications New User posted their first comment this is comment text Approve Reject & ban Delete Logout

He knew he had to do a lot more - Ex-PSG star explains why Lionel Messi endured difficult first season in Paris

PSG and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi. Former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder believes Lionel Messi wasn't at his physical and mental best last season. Messi endured an underwhelming debut campaign with the Parisians after joining from Barcelona on a free transfer last summer. He recorded just 11 goals and 15 assists across all competitions, though he added another trophy to his cabinet by lifting the Ligue 1 title. La Pulga has looked much better this season and Pastore believes it has to do with his improved physical and mental state. He said during an interview with Le Parisien (as quoted by ): “He [Lionel Messi] was not at 100% physically last year, whereas this season we can see him very well. He knew he had to do a lot more. Now, we see him physically and mentally, he is ready to make big matches. “His positioning has evolved as well. He is a playmaker and more the player who will complete the actions. He places himself more to make the team play and to score the others.” ‘Found His Place’ – Midfielder Highlights Why Messi Is Succeeding in Year Two at PSG ‘Found His Place’ – Midfielder Highlights Why Messi Is Succeeding in Year Two at PSG Pastore, who played with Messi for Argentina, continued: “We see it on the right, on the left, chaining the one-two. He needed to change his game, he understood that because he is a very intelligent player. Now, he can make the difference anywhere on the pitch.” The midfielder, who now turns out for Elche CF, added about Messi's performances this season: “I watch all his matches, and it’s impressive to see the level he’s been playing with since the start of the season. He’s another player. I was sure it was going to be like this. I think he has found his place on the pitch and the connection with the whole team.”

Lionel Messi is quickly edging towards double figures in goals and assists for PSG this season

Following a difficult debut season in Paris, has enjoyed a renaissance this time around. He began the 2022-23 campaign with a goal as lifted the Trophee des Champions by defeating FC Nantes 4-0. Messi has since added eight more goals as well as 10 assists in his next 14 matches across all competitions. The talismanic forward most recently played a part in all three of PSG's goals as they beat AC Ajaccio 3-0 in Ligue 1. He assisted both of Kylian Mbappe's strikes, while also scoring the Parisians' second goal on the night. FOCUS

Lionel Messi led PSG to a 3:0 win over Ajaccio with this excellent display:

83 touches
1 goal
2 shots/2 on target
2 assists
2 big chances created
4 key passes
50/62 accurate passes
3/8 successful dribbles
9.2 Sofascore rating



FOCUSLionel Messi led PSG to a 3:0 win over Ajaccio with this excellent display: 83 touches 1 goal 2 shots/2 on target 2 assists 2 big chances created 4 key passes 50/62 accurate passes 3/8 successful dribbles 9.2 Sofascore rating Thanks to Lionel Messi's exploits, PSG are currently five points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table after 12 matches. They also lead their UEFA Champions League group with eight points from four games. Paul Merson predicts the result of Newcastle vs Chelsea and other EPL GW 16 fixtures! Poll : 0 votes Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Thank You! Show More Comments No thanks Delete Cancel Update Reply ❮ ❯ No thanks Delete Cancel Update Reply ❮ ❯ Be the first one to comment on this story More from Sportskeeda Fetching more content... 1 Logout No Results Found