‘Messi is simple and quiet’ – former Madrid player Hakimi surprised by his new teammate’s behaviour

PSG defender, Archaf Hakimi has admitted to being surprised by Lionel Messi’s behaviour, disclosing that the Argentine superstar is ‘simple and quiet’ in the dressing room.

Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain last month on a two-year contract after 21 years at Barcelona. The 34-year-old has been backed to guide PSG to domestic and European success this season and his teammate, Hakimi, who also joined the club in the summer, is happy to play alongside the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“Building a technical relationship with him [Messi] is easy! I give him the ball, I run and he will put it where it belongs!” Hakimi, a former Real Madrid player, told L’Equipe. “I was surprised by the way he behaved, he is simple, quiet.”

“For Messi to leave Barca, like everyone else, I didn’t expect it, and when I heard you were coming here, what can I say? A dream for me!” the 22-year-old Moroccan added.

“I played with many great players and the only one I missed was Messi! I am proud to evolve with such a good footballer.

“To progress, I will pay attention to how he trains, how he plays. It will grow the team and each of the players that make it up. We speak the same language, in addition, little by little we are getting to know each other.”

Messi made his debut for PSG from the bench in a 2-0 win at Reims on August 29 before being handed his first start in the Champions League group stage opener against Club Brugges.