Achraf Hakimi: “Lionel Messi’s Humility in the Dressing Room Surprised Me”

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has revealed his surprise at Lionel Messi’s modest and unassuming demeanor during their time together at the French club. The Moroccan international described the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner as a simple and quiet presence in the dressing room, a stark contrast to the larger-than-life image often associated with global superstars.

Messi’s shock departure from Barcelona in 2021 sent ripples through the football world as he joined PSG, alongside high-profile signings like Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Georginio Wijnaldum. Hakimi, who also arrived at the Parisian club that summer, admitted that sharing the pitch with Messi was a dream come true, given the legendary battles he witnessed during his Real Madrid days.

Speaking to French outlet L’Équipe, Hakimi reflected on his initial reaction to Messi’s move and the subsequent opportunity to play alongside him. “For Messi to leave Barca, like everyone else, I didn’t expect it,” Hakimi admitted. “And when I heard he was coming here, what can I say? A dream for me!”

Having grown up watching Messi dominate football, Hakimi was eager to learn from the Argentine maestro. “I’ve played with many great players, but Messi was the only one I hadn’t had the chance to share the field with. I’m proud to have had that opportunity. I pay attention to how he trains, how he plays—it’s an incredible way to grow as a player.”

Hakimi also praised Messi’s on-field genius, describing their budding partnership during PSG matches. “Building a technical relationship with him is easy. I give him the ball, I run, and he places it perfectly. But what surprised me the most was his behavior. He is so simple and quiet.”

Messi spent two successful seasons with PSG, winning consecutive Ligue 1 titles before leaving European football in 2023 to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. His time in Paris may have been brief, but for Hakimi and his teammates, Messi’s humility and talent left an indelible mark both on and off the pitch.