Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has opened up about the difficulties he experienced following Lionel Messi’s arrival at the French club, admitting that the Argentine superstar’s presence changed his role within the team.

The Morocco international said PSG’s playing style underwent a significant transformation after Messi joined from Barcelona in August 2021, making it difficult for him to express his attacking qualities.

Hakimi, who joined PSG from Inter Milan in the same transfer window, explained that he initially expected to enjoy the freedom he had experienced at his previous clubs.

However, Messi’s arrival altered the team’s tactical approach, forcing him to adopt a more restricted role.

“When Messi arrived, PSG’s project changed. The team’s playing style changed, and we started playing differently. I wasn’t enjoying it. I felt like a small player,” Hakimi said during an appearance on The Bridge podcast.

He also highlighted the difference between his responsibilities at PSG and with Morocco, where he enjoyed greater influence in the team’s attacking play.

The defender said the contrast attracted criticism from supporters who questioned why his performances differed between club and country.

Hakimi’s comments relate to PSG’s 2021/22 campaign under Mauricio Pochettino, when the club featured an attacking trio of Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Messi left PSG in 2023 to join Inter Miami, while Hakimi has since become an important figure in the Parisian side.