Hakimi ‘surprised’ by Lionel Messi’s behaviour at PSG

Lionel Messi is “simple and quiet” in the dressing room, according to Archaf Hakimi, who admits being “surprised” by the Paris Saint-Germain superstar’s behaviour.

“Building a technical relationship with him is easy! I give him the ball, I run and he will put it where it belongs!” the PSG full-back, who also joined the club in the summer transfer window, told L’Equipe. “I was surprised by the way he behaved, he is simple, quiet.”

Hakimi is grateful for the opportunity to play alongside Messi, and thinks he and the rest of his teammates can reach a new level while working with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“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!” he 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.”