5 reasons why Messi is a failure in UCL after Bayern defeat
Messi failure in UCL: Lionel Messi once again failed in his pursuit for a UCL title after PSG were knocked out by Bayern in the RO 16 clash.
The Parisians headed into the 2nd leg with a 1-0 deficit and could not overturn it at the Allianz Arena as they lost 2-0 last night.
Choupo-Moting and Gnabry’s second half efforts proved enough for Bayern to send their French opponents packing from the competition.
Patrice Evra called out Lionel Messi’s work ethic 😱 pic.twitter.com/rtxAFcZRAa
— GOAL (@goal) March 9, 2023
Messi and Co have been knocked out twice in the previous 2 years at the Round of 16 stage itself.
It’s becoming a matter of choking for PSG as they haven’t been able to lift the title since the takeover of the club and entry into UCL.
The closest PSG came was in the 2020 final where they lost 1-0 to Bayern.
Messi’s move to PSG in 2021 had the world talking but rightly seen, the move hasn’t proved fruitful for the Argentine.
He has been unable to win the UCL since 2015 having won it on 4 occasions as a Barca player.
Today, we look at the top 5 reasons why Messi failure in UCL after last night’s defeat.
Failures post 2015
Messi has gone through 8 successive UCL campaigns without winning the title.
His last title was in 2015 when in the company of Neymar and Suarez, Barca beat Juventus in the final.
Since then, it’s been way too long for the Argentine lad to find a way to reach the summit of this crown.
Messi’s known to turn things around himself through his mesmerizing skills and world-class talent.
It’s a Lionel Messi thing. pic.twitter.com/zy9iVAS8W2
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) March 8, 2023
However, he has just failed to live upto potential since that last title.
Barcelona player
Also read:Â 3 records that Messi eyes after breaking 700 club goals barrier
This point may hurt a few but Messi’s proven to be a player who can only player for Barcelona.
Such words were used by Ferguson in a interview when asked to compare Messi and Ronaldo as to who is the better player.
The words are daunting but true as Messi hasn’t been able to deliver like the days of Barcelona.
His style of play seems suited more to Barcelona where team-play and match situations revolved around him.
With a new team like PSG, Messi hasn’t been able to get a foothold in trying to turn the tide in his side’s favour.
Hence, Messi has not won the UCL in particular after leaving Barcelona. Also, Messi hasn’t struck form like he used to do season after season in a Barcelona jersey.
Ronaldo better numbers/moments
The UCL in particular has shown Messi not being able to deliver like Ronaldo does.
Cristiano finds a way to get his team over the line on numerous situations and at different clubs.
Cast your mind back to his recent exploits last season for Man United and also his hat-trick vs Atletico in a Juventus shirt.
Ronaldo has created moments despite leaving Real Madrid in 2018 but Messi hasn’t been able to.
Messi was part of the PSG team that were dismantled in quick succession by Real Madrid last season.
He was also part of the 8-2 drubbing at the hands of Barcelona in 2020. Liverpool (2019) and Roma (2018) were the past nemesis.
This is where Messi has lost control of proceedings in knockouts and missed out on moments, where his rival trumps him.
Record vs Bayern
Bayern has been the Argentine’s arch nemesis against whom he hasn’t lived upto his best. In his last 3 matches, the record shows Messi’s team losing 11-2 on aggregate.
The Argentine has scored a mere 4 goals vs Bayern in 8 UCL matches winning 2 and losing 5.
Lionel Messi’s last three matches vs. Bayern:
8-2 loss
1-0 loss
2-0 loss👻 pic.twitter.com/7mjgAscyvJ
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 8, 2023
This is a poor record for someone who is known to deliver against top European teams.
Last night too, Messi did not enjoy the 90 minutes in the 2-0 defeat and was largely ineffective.
Contract issues
Also read:Â 3 Reasons why PSG doesn’t need Messi anymore after last night’s defeat
The PSG player’s contract expires in 2023 summer and with no progress in talks about an extension, his commitment is questionable.
Messi particularly for PSG since the World Cup has been anonymous in the UCL during the 2 legged tie vs Bayern.
The main aim for his arrival in France was to lift the Champions League for PSG.
But this plan has backfired with Messi’s approach being lackadaisical post the World Cup.
Lionel Messi did not offer much when on the pitch when he had to do with Neymar ruled out for the season.
Messi’s contract leaves many questions hanging due to which it has impacted his performance.
