Thierry Henry points out Messi’s two biggest problems at PSG

As PSG struggle to get the goals out of Lionel Messi in Ligue 1, Thierry Henry gave his analysis on what is holding his former teammate back.

Lionel Messi is too ‘isolated’ in a Paris Saint-Germain team that is built around Kylian Mbappe, says Thierry Henry.

The Frenchman believes the reason for Messi’s lack of goals is down to the fact he doesn’t see as much of the ball as he did at Barcelona, and that he is too confined on the right side of the pitch.

These remarks came as Messi drew another blank in his fourth Ligue 1 game during PSG’s 0-0 draw with Marseille on Sunday.

Speaking about his former Barcelona teammate’s problems to RMC Sport, Henry said: “He [Messi] is isolated, he is on the ball less. I wouldn’t say he’s sad, but he’s isolated. I prefer him through the middle.

“I’m having trouble with Leo out on the right. In the middle, he can set the tempo. Something needs to be found in order to get Mbappe, Neymar, and Messi to play together.”

Messi has mostly played as a right-winger, with Mbappe playing centrally and Neymar on the left. Due to injuries and international commitments, trio are yet to play alongside each other regularly.

“Messi doesn’t speak a lot, he speaks with the ball,” Henry continued.

“For now, it’s Kylian’s team. Kylian is the one who’s making it shine most of all. The ball goes more towards him. At any single moment there can only be one conductor, otherwise, you can’t play at the same tempo. And in this team, there are too many conductors.’

Henry added: “I don’t think he can make the difference on the right, but then I don’t have the exact details from the tactical standpoint. Obviously when you stay high up and you get out of the way, you won’t have an impact. Then you have fewer balls going towards him.”