Cesc Fabregas has sent a warning to critics of Lionel Messi after the Argentine came in for heavy criticism for his performance during PSG’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid earlier this week.
Lionel Messi did not have the most spectacular of games and he did miss a penalty.
The South American would step up from 12 yards shortly after the hour mark, but was bested by Thibaut Courtois, who guessed the right way and saved Messi’s pretty average penalty:
After missing vs Madrid, it was revealed that Lionel Messi had matched Thierry Henry’s record for most missed penalties in Champions League history while surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo for most penalty attempts.
Messi would also be given a 3/10 rating by French outlet L’Equipe:
Messi was given a 3/10 rating by L’Equipe for yesterday’s performance 😳
Fair? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/RCFB3M4qMh
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 16, 2022
Now though, Fabregas has sent a warning to Messi’s critics, stating that you always have to be careful with Messi as he is a player who can make you eat your words:
“I have read things from people who must not have seen him play against Real Madrid.
“Without being stellar, he played a good game. “He put Mbappe through on goal in the first half with a pass that none of the other 21 players could’ve pulled off. He missed a penalty. So what? Judging him for that seems ridiculous to me.
“I remember Luis Enrique’s first year [as Barcelona coach] in which [Messi] was criticised a lot. There was a crisis around that. Then Barcelona won the treble. Now something similar can happen.
“I understand that stories have to be sold, but we are talking about a player who can make you eat your words in a second. With Messi you always have to be careful, just in case. There’s plenty more to come.”
Nantes vs PSG
Lionel Messi now has the chance to bounce back from his average showing vs Madrid on Saturday evening.
PSG will face off with Nantes in a Ligue 1 clash at 8 pm UK time.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side head into the game sat 13 points clear atop of Ligue 1 having lost just once all season.
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