Some fans whistle as Lionel Messi’s name is announced as Paris Saint-Germain’s season hits new low | CNN

CNN
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Paris Saint-Germain’s depressing season went from dangerous to worse on Sunday because the group suffered a second straight house defeat with a 1-0 loss to Lyon.

Even earlier than the sport kicked off, Lionel Messi bore the brunt of the frustrations of some PSG followers who whistled when his title appeared on the large display through the announcement of the beginning lineup.

After Alexadre Lacazette missed a first-half penalty, Bradley Barcola’s objective 10 minutes into the second interval was sufficient to earn Lyon the three factors on an evening that PSG not often seemed like threatening the visiting objective.

Lens’ 1-0 victory over Rennes and Marseille’s 1-1 draw with Montepellier means each groups are actually simply six factors behind PSG on the prime of Ligue 1, and even the home title might slip from the group’s grasp.

The response of some followers on Sunday should have felt a world away from the adulation and worship Messi acquired throughout his current return to Argentina for friendlies in opposition to Panama and Curaçao because the nation continued its World Cup celebrations.

Messi’s arrival on the Parc des Princes was imagined to be the lacking piece that might assist PSG lastly win the Champions League, the trophy the membership’s Qatari homeowners crave essentially the most.

To date, the one main trophy the group has gained since Messi joined was Ligue 1 final season, a title – it’s honest to say – PSG would probably have gained with out him.

Messi has 34 objective contributions in all competitions for PSG this season – 18 targets and 17 assists – second solely to Mbappé’s 38 and head coach Christophe Galtier refused to put the blame for the group’s failures on the Argentine’s ft.

“I discovered it [the jeering] onerous to hearken to,” Galtier advised reporters, per the Athletic. “There could also be expectations for Messi and Mbappe to unlock tough conditions. Messi tries very onerous, they didn’t all work out; however round him, the opposite gamers additionally must do their jobs.”

“We will’t count on all the pieces from Leo and Kylian,” he added.

Up subsequent for PSG is a season-defining week as Galtier’s facet travels to a Good group that’s unbeaten in 13 matches, earlier than internet hosting Lens on the Parc des Princes.

PSG has misplaced two of its three matches since being dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich final month, and solely limped previous relegation-threatened Brest with a ninetieth minute Kylian Mbappé winner.

After his group’s victory, Lyon head coach Laurent Blanc mentioned the Champions League or bust mentality has been detrimental to PSG’s performances.

“Paris’ drawback is when the No. 1 goal of the Champions League is not accessible, plainly the season not exists – and in any respect ranges,” he advised reporters.