Lionel Messi's Mixed Legacy: Triumphs and Struggles Against Former Club PSG

Lionel Messi is set to encounter a former team for the very first time in his illustrious career.

After his dramatic departure in 2021, Messi managed to avoid an emotionally charged meeting with Barcelona during his tenure with French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain, wearing their navy and red colors. The fit never seemed natural, and despite impressive statistical performances in France, the Argentine legend couldn't replicate the magic that made him beloved during his time showcasing brilliance in Catalonia.

Messi allegedly left PSG under somewhat cold circumstances two years prior, choosing fresh opportunities with Inter Miami.

The legendary Argentine represented and continues to be an incredible acquisition for MLS, with his arrival alone securing Miami's place in FIFA's restructured Club World Cup this summer. Lackluster domestic performance leading into the competition raised concerns about possible humiliation before a worldwide audience, but Messi has prevented his squad from disappointing.

Led by their 38-year-old skipper, Miami have advanced to the tournament's round of 16, though their most challenging obstacle lies ahead. To overcome European titleholders PSG, the Herons need a motivated Messi to recapture his prime form.

Here's an examination of his performance record against the Parisian club throughout his career.

Lionel Messi's Track Record Against Former Team PSG

Sunday's knockout stage encounter will mark the 11th occasion Messi has confronted PSG, though the first since his 2023 departure from the club.

His connection with the team traces back to 2013, when Barcelona clashed with Carlo Ancelotti's PSG in the Champions League quarterfinals. Barça, who had lost their La Liga crown to Real Madrid the previous season following Pep Guardiola's era, were in transition under Tito Vilanova's guidance.

Messi found the net in the opening leg away from home but was substituted at halftime due to injury. This setback left him only partially fit for the second leg, and the Argentine was restricted to a brief 26-minute appearance as Barcelona progressed on away goals. Vilanova's team was subsequently demolished by Bayern Munich in the semifinals—a loss that marked the conclusion of Spanish supremacy and introduced German gegenpressing as the dominant tactical philosophy in European football.

PSG encountered Messi frequently during the 2014–15 campaign as they met Barcelona four times in the Champions League. The striker netted in both group stage matches as wins were split, but Luis Enrique's eventual treble-winning side later dominated the French club in their quarterfinal clash. The tie was decided by Luis Suárez, who found the net twice and famously embarrassed David Luiz in a 3–1 first-leg triumph.

Messi contributed one assist across both legs.

PSG appeared destined to finally triumph over the Catalans in the 2016–17 round of 16, as they neutralized Messi and his teammates in a commanding 4–0 victory at the Parc des Princes. Edinson Cavani's away goal in the return match was intended to deliver the decisive blow, but Barcelona—driven not by Messi, but by Neymar—achieved the ultimate comeback: the Remontada.

Sergi Roberto's dramatic late winner secured an incredible 6–1 victory in the second leg, allowing Barça to advance as 6–5 aggregate victors.

Four years afterward, La Blaugrana had become a shadow of their formerly dominant selves, having endured an 8–2 thrashing by Bayern Munich the prior season. The 2020–21 campaign saw PSG finally overcome Messi's Barcelona across two legs, though the Barça captain scored in both encounters. The Argentine's goal in Paris was arguably the best of his six strikes against the French club, but his team couldn't overcome a 4–1 first-leg disadvantage.

Lionel Messi's Statistics vs. PSG