“I was surprised by the way he behaved” - When Achraf Hakimi opened up on how Lionel Messi was inside PSG dressing room
Moroccan wing-back Achraf Hakimi once opened up on Argentine superstar Lionel Messi's demeanor off the pitch during the latter's stint at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The 25-year-old said that he was surprised by the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's simple and taciturn nature.
Hakimi joined PSG from Inter Milan for a reported €68 million fee in the summer of 2021. He has been a standout performer for the Parisians, bagging 15 goals and 21 assists in 125 games across all competitions.
In the same window that they signed Hakimi, the 12-time Ligue 1 champions also brought Messi in on a blockbuster free transfer upon the expiration of his contract at Barcelona. He spent two years at the club, racking up 32 goals and 35 assists in 75 appearancs before joining MLS side Inter Miami on a free transfer in 2023.
In an interview with L'Equipe in 2021, Hakimi expressed his surprise over the Argentine talisman's calmness and silent nature in the dressing room. He said (via Express):
"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."
Messi made 59 appearances alongside Hakimi at PSG, with the Moroccan assisting him once. The pair lifted two Ligue 1 titles and one French Super Cup together.
"A dream for me!" - When Achraf Hakimi opened up on sharing the pitch with Lionel Messi at PSG
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi once claimed that it was a dream for him to play alongside Argentine maestro Lionel Messi.
Despite being just 25 years of age, Hakimi has played with many iconic players at top European clubs like Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and PSG. He has shared the pitch with Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Marco Reus, Sergio Ramos and Angel Di Maria among many others.
He is also part of an exclusive club of players to have played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo (at Real Madrid) and Messi (at PSG). Speaking to L'Equipe in 2021, Hakimi opened up on the opportunity to play with the latter at the Parc des Princes, saying (via Express):
"For him to leave Barca, like everyone else, I didn't expect it. And when I heard (he was) coming here, what can I say? A dream for me! I played with many great players and the only one I missed was him! I am proud to evolve with such a good footballer."
Hakimi also mentioned how he improved himself by watching the 2022 FIFA World Cup champion in training, adding (via Daily Star):
"To progress, I pay attention to how he trains, how he plays. It will grow the team and each of the players that make it up."
Up next, Messi will be seen in action when Inter Miami take on Charlotte on September 28, while Hakimi and PSG will play Stade Rennais on September 27.