Lionel Messi left former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Achraf Hakimi stunned with his understated and humble behaviour behind the scenes, according to the Morocco international. Hakimi played alongside the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner for two seasons at PSG and revealed that Messi's modesty was a surprising contrast to his legendary status.
Hakimi Recalls Dream of Playing with Messi
Speaking to French newspaper L'Equipe in 2021 shortly after Messi's shock move to PSG, Hakimi expressed his disbelief and joy. "For Messi to leave Barca, like everyone else, I didn't expect it. And when I heard you were coming here, what can I say? A dream for me!" Hakimi said. "I played with many great players and the only one I missed was Messi! I am proud to evolve with such a good footballer."
Hakimi emphasised that he would closely observe Messi's training and playing habits to improve his own game. "To progress, I will pay attention to how he trains, how he plays. It will grow the team and each of the players that make it up. We speak the same language, in addition, little by little we are getting to know each other."
Messi's Simple Demeanor Surprises Hakimi
Despite Messi's unparalleled success, Hakimi noted that the Argentine star carried himself with remarkable simplicity. "Building a technical relationship with him is easy! I give him the ball, I run and he will put it where it belongs! I was surprised by the way he behaved, he is simple, quiet," Hakimi added.
Messi's unassuming movement on the pitch mirrors his personality, as he often appears reserved until crucial moments when he delivers devastating impact. This trait has been evident throughout his career and remains a key threat for England, who face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals in Atlanta.
England's Challenge: Stopping Messi
England manager Thomas Tuchel's side must neutralise Messi to reach the World Cup final. Argentina defeated Switzerland in extra time to reach the last four, while England overcame Norway after 120 minutes. Limiting Messi's influence is critical, as he leads the World Cup Golden Boot standings with eight goals.
England have their own attacking threats in Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, each with six goals. The Three Lions aim to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, but eliminating the reigning champions Argentina presents a formidable challenge. As Hakimi's testimony shows, Messi's quiet brilliance can be deceiving, making him even more dangerous on the pitch.
