Lionel Messi has mentioned he endured a “unhealthy time” throughout his debut season at Paris Saint-Germain however added he’s having fun with his soccer once more, with Argentina‘s World Cup marketing campaign two months away.
The Argentina captain, after spending 21 years at Barcelona, moved to Paris final summer time and solely contributed 11 objectives and 14 assists for the Ligue 1 champions in his first season.
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Messi has already netted six objectives and assisted eight instances in 11 appearances this time period and mentioned his revival is all the way down to a distinct mentality.
“I really feel good,” Messi mentioned after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Honduras. “It is completely different from final yr and I knew it was going to be like that.
“Final yr, as I already mentioned, I had a foul time. I by no means completed discovering myself and this time is completely different. I arrived with a distinct mindset, extra tailored to the membership, to the locker room, to the sport, to my teammates. The reality is that I really feel superb, and I am having fun with myself once more.”
The 35-year-old scored twice in Argentina’s victory over Honduras in Friday’s worldwide pleasant in Miami to increase their unbeaten run to 34 video games.
Messi will play in his fifth World Cup in Qatar and Argentina head into the event in excessive spirits after successful the 2021 Copa America, their first main title in 28 years following previous disappointments.
“I am very keen, excited and anxious for it to reach,” he added. “However on the identical time, I am calm as a result of we all know there’s nonetheless a while. We’ve got to do effectively at our golf equipment to reach at that time in good type. We’ve got a terrific crew, a terrific group, the World Cup is particular, and we’ve got to take it one step at a time.”
Argentina will likely be hopeful of Messi avoiding harm earlier than they start their World Cup marketing campaign in opposition to Saudi Arabia on Nov. 22 however the ahead mentioned he is not going to alter his recreation.
“There are numerous video games and little relaxation time, however you must face it as at all times,” Messi mentioned. “If you will play serious about the World Cup, taking good care of your self or avoiding contact, in the long run it might be worse.
“I’m a type of who thinks that issues occur as a result of they occur and if issues should occur, they may occur. God prepared, nothing occurs to anybody, and we will all arrive as we’re”.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni can also be delighted that his star participant has rediscovered his greatest type.
“I believe that PSG have discovered a option to play that understands him and I believe he has taken a step forward in his crew,” he mentioned earlier this week. “We’re very pleased with how issues are at the moment going.”
Following the win on Friday, Scaloni added: “The necessary factor is that he [Messi] is snug and that he’s having fun with enjoying soccer. He’s having fun with enjoying for his membership and that’s necessary. When he enjoys it, all of us get pleasure from it. Could it proceed.”
