Lionel Messi has reportedly backed Arsenal to overcome Paris Saint-Germain in what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated UEFA Champions League finals in recent years.
The Argentine icon, who knows PSG better than most after spending two seasons in Paris, is believed to admire the balance, discipline and tactical maturity that Mikel Arteta has built into his Arsenal side ahead of the final in Budapest.
According to growing reports and football discussions surrounding the final, Messi feels Arsenal’s defensive organisation and collective mentality could give them the edge against the reigning French champions. The final will see Arsenal attempt to win their first ever Champions League title, while PSG are aiming to defend the European crown they captured last season.
Messi’s opinion carries enormous weight in football because of his experience at the highest level of the Champions League. The Inter Miami superstar has lifted the famous trophy four times during his legendary career with Barcelona and has played in some of the greatest European nights football has ever witnessed. His understanding of what it takes to win finals is why many fans have paid attention to the comments surrounding Arsenal and PSG.
The former PSG forward is said to have been particularly impressed with Arsenal’s evolution under Arteta this season. Arsenal have combined defensive solidity with attacking intelligence throughout their Champions League campaign, eliminating several major European sides on their road to the final. Their unbeaten run in key stages of the competition has convinced many observers that this may finally be Arsenal’s moment in Europe.
Messi reportedly believes Arsenal’s midfield could be the decisive factor. The leadership and physical dominance of Declan Rice, mixed with the creativity of Martin Ødegaard, has transformed Arsenal into a side capable of controlling the biggest matches. PSG possess world-class attacking talent, including Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Arsenal’s structure without the ball has become one of the most feared systems in Europe. PSG manager Luis Enrique himself recently described Arsenal as the best team in the world when out of possession.
There is also a growing feeling among football legends and pundits that Arsenal’s hunger could make the difference. PSG already know what it feels like to win the Champions League after last season’s triumph, while Arsenal are chasing history. The North London club have waited decades for another opportunity to compete for Europe’s biggest prize after their painful defeat to Barcelona in the 2006 final — a match Messi himself was involved in, although he missed the game through injury.
Many Arsenal supporters believe this current squad has similarities to the great European-winning teams of the past: tactical discipline, unity, resilience and belief. Messi reportedly sees those same qualities. Despite PSG’s star power and experience, Arsenal’s consistency throughout the season has earned widespread respect across Europe.
The final itself is expected to attract a global audience, with excitement building rapidly ahead of the clash in Budapest. Football analysts have called it one of the most evenly balanced Champions League finals in years. Arsenal fans are dreaming of history, while PSG supporters believe their club can establish a new European dynasty.
For Messi, backing Arsenal is particularly interesting given his history with PSG. Although he enjoyed moments of brilliance in Paris, his relationship with sections of the fanbase was often complicated. Some supporters believe Messi’s admiration for Arsenal may come from the way Arteta’s team plays collective football rather than relying purely on superstar individuals.
Whether Messi’s prediction proves correct remains to be seen, but his belief in Arsenal has only added more excitement to an already massive occasion. One thing is certain: when Arsenal and PSG walk onto the pitch for the Champions League final, the entire football world will be watching.