PSG chairman denies Messi’s World Cup tribute claim

Lionel Messi has recently revealed that he was not recognised by his former side Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for winning the FIFA World Cup trophy in Qatar last year.

The revelation was quite shocking as it showcased the ruptured relationship between Messi and the PSG team management.
Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi has refuted Lionel Messi's claim.

Messi scored twice in the final in Qatar and converted his spot kick in the penalty shootout as Argentina beat France to claim the third World Cup in the country's history.

The 36-year-old, who left PSG at the expiry of his contract in June, said: "I was the only player of the 25 that didn't get a [club] recognition," in an interview.

“It was understandable ... because of us [Argentina], they [France] didn't retain the World Cup.”

However, Al-Khalaifi denied Messi's version of events on Saturday.

“As everyone saw, because we even published a video, we celebrated Messi in training, and we also celebrated him in private,” Al-Khalaifi told reporters.

“But with respect, we are a French club. It was of course sensitive to celebrate at the stadium. We must respect the country he defeated, his teammates on the France team, and our supporters too.”