Super Eagles star issues Lionel Messi Ligue 1 warning

For the first time in his career, Messi will be playing in a league other than the Spanish La Liga, and the iconic footballer may have to go through an acclimatisation stage

Nantes forward Moses Simon has revealed that it’s an excellent thing to have Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of his generation, in the French Ligue 1.

Messi completed a stunning switch to Paris Saint Germain from Barcelona a couple of days ago, ending his more than twenty years stay at the La Liga giants.

The Argentine playmaker joins a star-studded PSG, already boasting the incredible attacking talents of Neymar Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria, and Mauro Icardi.

It would be a massive challenge for any team in France or beyond to stop the Parisians from scoring goals aplenty, but Simon insists it’s pleasant for the French top-flight to parade such amazing mega-stars.

“It is an excellent thing for our championship that the best players in the world come to play in France,” Nantes said, as per Ouest-France.

“So, obviously, playing against him (Messi) is a dream come true.”

Simon, however, warns Messi to be prepared for a championship where anything is possible. 

While the Super Eagles winger wishes the six-time Ballon d’Or winner wins the UEFA Champions League with PSG, he charges him to expect a Ligue 1 that is “very tactical and more physical than La Liga: Messi must be aware of that.”

Nantes could face PSG’s baptism of fire when they travel to the Parc De Princes in November, but Simon is confident the Yellow Canaries should not be written off as anything could happen on the day.

“If he (Messi) or Neymar isn’t there, it doesn’t matter!” Simon added. “What matters is to take points.

“Afterwards, if the two play together, we know it will be difficult. But in football, anything is possible, and we will do our best.”

A 30-cap Nigerian international, Simon is one of Nantes’ most influential stars as he won the Player of the Season in his first year at the club. The former Levante winger also scored six goals and supplied five assists last term to help the side avoid relegation.