A Misunderstood Comment and Its Aftermath
In a recent interview with Infobae, Argentina’s star midfielder Leandro Paredes shed light on a significant period of tension between him and his national team and former PSG teammate, Lionel Messi. The conflict began during a 2021 Champions League match when Barcelona, then led by Messi, faced off against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Last 16. PSG emerged victorious, thanks to a remarkable 4-1 first-leg lead and a 1-1 draw in the second leg at the Parc des Princes. The match was a memorable one, dominated by the brilliance of Kylian Mbappe. However, it was a seemingly innocuous comment made by Paredes that sparked an unexpected rift with Messi.
The Source of the Rift
During the match, Paredes made a comment to his PSG teammates, which Messi overheard. Although the comment was not directed at Messi, the football legend mistakenly believed it was a personal insult. This misunderstanding led to a prolonged period of silence between the two. Paredes, reflecting on the incident, said, "We spent about three months without speaking, I had a terrible time." The intensity of the situation is evident in Paredes’ reaction, as he found himself in a difficult and awkward position. Despite his attempts to clear the air, sending multiple messages to Messi, he received no response. The stress and strain of the situation took a significant toll on Paredes, who felt the weight of the misunderstanding deeply.
Persistence in Reconciliation
Paredes did not give up easily. He tried to reach out to Messi, hoping to explain that his comment was not intended to offend. "I sent him a message the next day, I sent him a message 15 days later, I told him: ‘It wasn’t for you, it wasn’t to offend’. And he didn’t respond," Paredes recalled. The lack of communication left Paredes feeling helpless and isolated. He continued to reach out, but Messi remained silent, exacerbating the tension. The midfield ace felt the need to address the issue, especially given their shared history and the importance of their relationship both on and off the field.
The Break in Silence
The breakthrough in their strained relationship came during international duty with the Argentina national team. Paredes, who now plays for Roma, described the moment of reconciliation vividly. "Three months had passed without speaking. I thought: ‘Now I have to see how he reacts’. But no, a phenomenon, a phenomenon, because we arrived at the premises on the same day." The timing of their meeting was crucial, as it provided a neutral ground for both players to reconnect. When Paredes arrived at the training camp early and was brushing his teeth, Messi unexpectedly appeared in his room. In a moment that would have been tense for anyone else, Messi broke the ice with a playful gesture, throwing water on Paredes and joking, "What are you doing up so early?"
Reconciliation and Moving Forward
This spontaneous and lighthearted interaction marked the end of the cold shoulder. Paredes was relieved and grateful for Messi’s ability to move past the misunderstanding. Both players are known for their professionalism and dedication to the game, and this incident highlighted their commitment to maintaining a strong team dynamic. Messi later joined PSG in the summer of 2021 on a free transfer, creating an opportunity for both players to rebuild their relationship in a new club environment. Despite the initial tension, they managed to work together effectively, contributing to PSG’s domestic success.
World Cup Glory and Beyond
The bond between Messi and Paredes was further solidified when they led the Argentina national team to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022. Their on-field chemistry and mutual respect were on full display throughout the tournament. The experience of winning the World Cup together not only healed any lingering wounds but also strengthened their friendship. Paredes’ willingness to reach out and Messi’s ability to forgive demonstrate the character and leadership qualities that have made them two of the most respected figures in Argentine football. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of communication and understanding in the world of sports, where egos and emotions can often run high.
