Lionel Messi at PSG - 'It's a failure, that simple': Expert analysis of project with superstars struggling

“Just add three letters to Paris, and you have paradise." These are the words of celebrated French author Jules Renard. Unfortunately for Renard, or perhaps fortunately, he never lived to see the trials and tribulations of modern-day Paris Saint-Germain season after season.

Ad Although on course for a ninth Ligue 1 title win since their high-profile takeover by Qatar Sports Investment in 2011 and the riches that came with it, there is still a feeling that the team has underachieved in that time, especially given their underwhelming performances in the Champions League. TransfersSaudi Arabia preparing huge offer to secure Messi transfer — Paper Round16/03/2023 AT 06:14 Having reached just one final during their ownership by QSI — a defeat to Bayern Munich in 2020 — there have been repeated failures year-on-year, including this season’s exit, again at the hands of the German side.

Off the back of that disappointment, a feeble 2-0 home defeat to Rennes has meant the mood at the Parc des Princes remains at virtually rock bottom – both on the pitch and in the stands. To assess the current state of things at the club, Eurosport France’s Cyril Morin breaks it all down.

A Messi situation The deep pockets of PSG’s owners meant that they were virtually the only club in world football that could afford the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner when he shockingly left Barcelona in 2021. For many, his signing was perhaps the biggest statement of intent for a team finally ready to conquer Europe.