Achraf Hakimi reveals surprise at Lionel Messi's World Cup dressing room behavior

Achraf Hakimi has revealed his surprise at Lionel Messi's behavior in the dressing room during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Morocco international, who faced Argentina in the semi-finals, shared his observations about the Argentine legend's demeanor behind the scenes.

What happened during the World Cup?

Hakimi and Morocco made history by becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Their journey ended with a 2-0 loss to Argentina, who went on to win the tournament. Hakimi, speaking about his experience, mentioned how Messi's behavior in the dressing room was different from what he expected.

'I was surprised by Messi's behavior in the dressing room,' Hakimi said. 'He was very calm and focused, not what you might expect from someone under so much pressure.'

Why it matters for Achraf Hakimi

For Hakimi, the encounter with Messi was a significant moment in his career. As a defender, he had the challenging task of marking one of the greatest players of all time. The experience provided him with valuable insights into the mindset of a world-class player.

'Playing against Messi was a huge learning experience,' Hakimi added. 'Seeing how he handles himself, both on and off the pitch, was truly inspiring.'

What comes next for Achraf Hakimi?

Hakimi continues to be a key player for both Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team. His experiences at the World Cup have only added to his growing reputation as one of the best full-backs in the world.

As he looks ahead to future tournaments, Hakimi will undoubtedly carry the lessons he learned from facing Messi and other top players. His ability to adapt and learn from such high-pressure situations will be crucial in his continued success.