Football fans around the world are reacting after reports emerged claiming that Lionel Messi has backed Arsenal to defeat Paris Saint-Germain in this season’s UEFA Champions League final.
The legendary Argentine, who spent two seasons at PSG before leaving for Inter Miami, is said to be hugely impressed by the progress Arsenal have made under Mikel Arteta and believes the North London side now has everything required to conquer Europe for the first time in the club’s history.
The Champions League final between Arsenal F.C. and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. is already being described as one of the most exciting European finals in recent years. Arsenal booked their place after a dramatic semi-final victory over Atlético Madrid, while PSG overcame Bayern Munich to reach another final under Luis Enrique.
According to reports circulating across football media and social platforms, Messi believes Arsenal’s balance, tactical discipline, and attacking quality could give them the edge against the French champions. The Argentine icon reportedly admires the way Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal into one of Europe’s most complete teams.
Messi’s opinion carries enormous weight in world football. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, the former Barcelona and PSG superstar has experienced the pressure of Champions League finals throughout his legendary career. His comments have therefore immediately sparked intense debate among supporters of both clubs.
Sources close to the discussion claim Messi pointed to Arsenal’s midfield as one of the major reasons he believes they can win the final. Players like Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice have been outstanding throughout the campaign, controlling games against elite opposition and giving Arsenal a level of consistency they lacked in previous European seasons.
Messi is also believed to be a huge admirer of Bukayo Saka, with the Arsenal winger continuing to establish himself as one of the most dangerous attacking players in world football. Saka’s performances in crucial matches this season have earned praise from pundits, former players, and managers across Europe.
The Argentine superstar reportedly feels Arsenal’s collective strength could be the deciding factor against PSG’s star-studded attack. While PSG possess incredible attacking talent, Arsenal have shown throughout the competition that they can compete with any side tactically and physically.
Ironically, Messi knows PSG better than most. During his time in Paris, he experienced both the highs and frustrations of the club’s Champions League ambitions. Despite having world-class players such as Neymar and Kylian Mbappé during that era, PSG failed to secure European glory with Messi in the squad.
Now, PSG are once again just one game away from lifting the trophy, but this time they face an Arsenal side full of confidence and momentum. Football analysts believe the final could become a tactical battle between Arteta’s structured pressing system and Luis Enrique’s dynamic attacking approach.
Messi reportedly believes Arsenal’s defensive organization will be critical in the match. The partnership at the back, combined with the work rate of Arsenal’s midfield, has made the Gunners one of the hardest teams in Europe to break down this season.
Fans have flooded social media with reactions to the reported comments. Arsenal supporters welcomed Messi’s backing as a sign that the football world now fully respects what Arteta has built at the Emirates Stadium. PSG fans, meanwhile, argued that Messi’s history with the Paris club may influence his opinion.
The final itself is set to take place at the famous Puskás Aréna in Budapest, where Arsenal will attempt to win the Champions League for the first time in club history while PSG aim to continue their rise as a European powerhouse.
For Arsenal supporters, the possibility of lifting the Champions League trophy would represent the ultimate reward after years of rebuilding under Arteta. Since arriving at the club, the Spanish manager has transformed Arsenal from a struggling side into one of Europe’s elite teams.
Messi himself has painful memories connected to Arsenal in European football. During his Barcelona years, he faced the Gunners several times in the Champions League and was often the difference-maker in those encounters.
Now, years later, the football icon appears to believe Arsenal are finally ready to create their own historic European moment.
The excitement surrounding the final continues to grow with every passing day. Arsenal’s energetic young squad against PSG’s explosive attacking stars promises a spectacle worthy of Europe’s biggest competition.
Whether Messi’s prediction eventually proves correct remains to be seen, but his reported backing has certainly added even more drama and anticipation ahead of what could become one of the defining Champions League finals of the modern era.