Argentina Star Reveals Reason Behind Lionel Messi’s Three-Month Silence

Argentina's football sensation, Lionel Messi, has been notably silent in the team's WhatsApp group for three months, a revelation made by his teammate Leandro Paredes. The reason behind Messi's quiet period was disclosed as a response to criticism he received following the team's defeat in the World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay in November 2023.

Paredes, who plays alongside Messi for both the national team and Paris Saint-Germain, shared that Messi was deeply affected by the harsh criticism he faced after the loss. In a show of solidarity, Paredes defended Messi, emphasizing his crucial role in leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup. The midfielder expressed his frustration over the public's quickness to criticize Messi, despite his monumental contributions to the sport and the national team.

Messi's silence in the group chat was a clear sign of his disappointment and a rare glimpse into the emotional toll that public scrutiny can take on even the most celebrated athletes. This episode underscores the intense pressure faced by top footballers and the impact it can have on their mental well-being.

• Leandro Paredes
• Lionel Messi