MY ACCOUNT
Lionel Messi’s decision-making at Paris Saint-Germain is “not a problem” for his team-mates, says Achraf Hakimi, after the Argentine helped seal victory over Brest.
Messi was on hand to assist Neymar’s finish for the lone goal of the game, as Christophe Galtier’s side edged to a 1-0 win to return to the summit of Ligue 1.
Having made the move from Barcelona last year, Messi frequently struggled to live up his billing during his first campaign at the Parc des Princes, but has looked back to his best this term, tallying three league goals and seven assists.
In a game decided by closer margins than anticipated, it was his vision to set up the in-form Neymar that trumped a PSG blank elsewhere, with Hakimi happy to defer to the forward’s expertise.
“When I make the call and Leo does not give it, it is because he has seen that there is another player to whom he can pass,” he stated.
“This is not a problem. That’s how today he made the pass to Neymar and we took the three points.”
Messi’s rich club form will be even more of a boon to the Argentina international squad, particularly given his outstanding performances for them did not dip during his first year at PSG.
With the Qatar 2022 World Cup looming, the attacker will want to maintain his level for what is likely to be his final shot at claiming the biggest team prize available in the sport, and the glaring omission in his trophy cabinet.
