Achraf Hakimi was surprised by Lionel Messi’s quiet dressing room demeanor at PSG (Image: Getty)
Achraf Hakimi expressed his astonishment at ‘s modest demeanour following the Argentine sensation’s headline-grabbing switch from Barcelona to . Joining a star-studded squad that already boasted the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in 2021, Messi’s transfer heralded a new era for PSG alongside fellow newcomers Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Georginio Wijnaldum.
Hakimi, who had the vantage point of witnessing Messi’s brilliance during their La Liga clashes as the defender rose up the ranks at Real Madrid, also joined that summer and opened up to on after joining forces with him.
Despite their prior differing allegiances, the Moroccan international, who plays for the country his parents hail from despite being born and raised in Spain, described featuring alongside the then-future World Cup winner as a “dream”.
Adjusting to life at PSG, Hakimi was candid about his initial reactions. “For Messi to leave Barca, like everyone else, I didn’t expect it,” he recounted. And when I heard you were coming here, what can I say? A dream for me!
“I played with many great players and the only one I missed was Messi! I am proud to evolve with such a good footballer. 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. 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.”
The pair won two league titles together at Paris Saint-Germain (Image: Getty)
Messi had a two-season stint in Ligue 1, clinching the title in both campaigns, and subsequently made a sensational move away from European football to join David Beckham’s ambitious project at in the MLS.
The 37-year-old hasn’t slowed down in terms of footballing ability despite his move stateside as he was recently named the MLS MVP for the 2024 season.
He led the league in goal contributions with 36, scoring 20 goals and creating 16 assists. He also captained Miami to their first Supporters’ Shield as well as their highest season points tally with 76.