Paris Saint-Germain's president has made a big claim about Lionel Messi, which will undoubtedly put pressure on the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner to improve his performances in France.
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The 34-year-old, who joined the French giants in August last year after a shock departure from Barcelona, scored just six goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances in his first campaign with PSG.
While he has admitted to having struggled to adapt life in France following his exit from the Catalan giants, the 2021 Copa America winner's displays left many fans underwhelmed, particularly after the excitement that came with his arrival.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has now conceded that the Argentina international was far from his best in this past campaign, but insisted supporters will soon see Messi better than the world has ever seen him.
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"There is no doubt that Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d'Or a record seven times, and it was not his best season," he told Le Parisien.
"But after more than 20 years in Barcelona, he discovered a new country, a new city, a new league, a new team. A new culture. As well as his family, and he was injured also by the coronavirus.
"It was not easy for Messi last season, but next season we will see the best version of Messi ever."
In his club career to date, Messi has scored 681 goals and assisted a further 317 strikes in 809 appearances.
Here is where the Argentine ranked among the 10 highest-paid players in world football last season:
