PSG forward Lionel Messi has expressed his admiration of the French Ligue 1, stating that the competition has grown very competitive over the years.
The Argentinian made the switch from the Spanish La Liga to France in the summer on a free transfer after his former club Barcelona could not renew his contract due to financial issues and debt.
Messi joined a PSG side that have dominated the French Ligue 1 in recent years winning seven titles out of the last nine seasons.
Indeed Les Parisiens were on course to win a fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title last season but were usurped by fierce rivals Lille.
PSG have since regrouped, signing Messi, former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, and Euro 2020 winner Gianluigi Donnarumma all on free transfers in the summer.
They also secured the services of former Inter Milan defender Achraf Hakimi for a reported fee of around €70m.
Since his move to Ligue 1, Messi has struggled to replicate his form at Barcelona which saw him win a record seventh Ballon d’Or.
The 34-year-old has managed only two goals in 14 league appearances for PSG and has struggled to impact games much to the frustration of fans.
What did Lionel Messi say about Ligue 1?
Speaking in an interview with PSG official magazine, Messi pointed out that Ligue 1 had grown competitive in recent years and explained that it was increasingly difficult to win every match.
“This league has progressed a lot in recent years and PSG have contributed a lot. The club has significantly increased the visibility of Ligue 1 around the world,” he said.
“Today it’s a very competitive championship where any team is capable of beating you and hurting you.
“I see the French championship as an increasingly balanced competition, like football generally. Today, in this sport it’s becoming more and more difficult to win every match.”
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When quizzed about the Champions League, Messi admitted that it was a difficult competition to win but believes PSG are on the path to try and win it.
“It’s complicated to win the Champions League because it is a competition which brings together the best teams, and where the slightest detail or the slightest error can eliminate you.
“I believe we have a team that can try and win it… It’s not always the best team that wins it and you have to really focus on all details and think about being the strongest team you can be.
“At the end of the day, it’s the strongest teams who achieve their goals. And we are on this path.”
Despite their domestic dominance, Les Parisiens are not content as they look to secure the much elusive European title.
It is said that one of the reasons why PSG invested in bringing Messi to the club was not only to regain the Ligue 1 title but for him to deliver the Champions League which they have never won before.
The French heavyweights have a slight advantage going into the second leg of the round of 16 game against Real Madrid after Kylian Mbappe clinched a stoppage time winner in the first leg.
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