Lionel Messi ‘wants to parade World Cup at PSG stadium but club is reluctant’

Lionel Messi is keen to display the World Cup trophy at Paris Saint-Germain’s stadium – but the club are reportedly worried about the backlash the gesture would receive.

The superstar forward led Argentina to world glory on Sunday, scoring twice and again on penalties as the South American side defeated France 4-2 on penalties after the game ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

And as reported by Goal, the 35-year-old Messi wants to flaunt the famous gold trophy at the Parc des Princes, but club bosses are hesitant about the reactions it might provoke.

Lionel Messi (centre) is said to be keen to display the World Cup trophy at the PSG compound

However, PSG club chiefs are reportedly reluctant amid the possible backlash over the gesture

Had France beat an opponent other than France in Qatar, it would be unlikely that PSG would have had a problem with Messi enjoying the admiration of Parisian faithful.

But given the tense atmosphere of the final and the manner of the defeat – a heartbreaking loss on penalties – emotions could still be raw for PSG’s only French player in the tournament – Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe – possibly the biggest name at the French giants and a rival to Messi as the greatest footballer of his generation – was devastated after the final, despite winning the competition’s Golden Boot after a superb hat-trick.

PSG and France star Kylian Mbappe (right) was devastated by Sunday’s defeat

It could be an awkward reunion in the dressing room, especially after Messi’s international team-mate Emiliano Martinez taunted the 24-year-old by asking for a “quiet moment” for him in the dressing room and then holding up a baby doll with his opponent’s face on it, while he was alongside Messi at their victory parade in Buenos Aires.

PSG are therefore careful not to ignite tensions between their star men and anger the predominantly French crowd as the country is left embittered after the final.

Christophe Galtier’s side return after the World Cup in Strasbourg on December 28th. They are five points clear of Lens at the top of Ligue 1.