"Team play takes precedence over the quality of a player" – Ex-France president on why PSG sold Lionel Messi, Neymar and other superstars

Ex-France president Nicolas Sarkozy has revealed why Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) parted ways with superstars like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe.

Since Qatar Sports Investments' takeover in 2011, PSG have made a reputation of breaking the bank to add household names to their squad. They have roped in the likes of Messi, Neymar, Mbappe, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Thiago Silva on lucrative contracts over the years.

Speaking recently to French newspaper Le Parisien, Sarkozy reminisced about the defending Ligue 1 champions' former era. He said (h/t GOAL):

"The era of PSG with stars was undoubtedly necessary to create an international brand image. And I won't forget the joy of having seen Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Messi, [David] Beckham, Mbappe play... it was exceptional. It was probably time to remind people that team play takes precedence over the quality of a player. That's the exact philosophy of the current coach."

While Messi spent two years at PSG between 2021 and 2023, Neymar concluded his six-year-long stint last summer after joining in 2017. Mbappe left PSG earlier in June and joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after refusing to sign a new deal at Luis Enrique's outfit.

Opining on Mbappe's summer exit from the Parisians, Sarkozy added:

"Kylian gave seven years to the club – you can't forget that. He gave us extraordinary emotions. He illustrates what we always see as a temptation; we always think that the grass is greener on the other side. I can understand that he wanted to leave. I understand his dream but I find it more difficult to understand the way in which he carried it out, but it's his choice."

Mbappe, 25, has found the back of the net six times and laid out one assist in eight games across competitions for Real Madrid this term.

Lionel Messi chooses next club to join

According to Spanish news outlet El Nacional, Lionel Messi is aiming to leave Inter Miami at the end of his current contract in December 2025. He will seal a Bosman move to Argentine side Newell's Old Boys in 2026.

Since leaving PSG on a free switch in the summer of 2023, the Argentine attacker has helped Inter Miami lift a trophy. He has netted 27 goals and laid out 17 assists in just 32 overall appearances for his club so far.

The Barcelona legend will next be in action for his Major League Soccer club in a league clash against Charlotte on Saturday (September 28).