Lionel Messi Formed Special Bond with Emerging PSG Standout, Ex-Coach Revealed | OneFootball

Despite being 18 years old, Warren Zaïre-Emery has become a pivotal player for Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield, taking strides last season under manager Luis Enrique.

However, the midfielder began to show signs of stardom during the 2022-23 season playing under former manager Christophe Galtier as a 16-year-old. Even with that age, the Frenchman started to get the seal of approval from one of the greatest players to lace up a pair of boots.

In an interview with Canal Plus, Galtier spoke about the relationship Zaïre-Emery shared with his former teammate Lionel Messi as the teenager began to garner the respect of the stars in the dressing room.

“The leaders in the locker room, surely the best players in the world, want Warren to team up with them in games,” Galtier told the French media outlet (h/t Le10Sport). “It’s incredible to tell you this now in hindsight. But there was a real connection between Warren and Leo (Messi).”

Zaïre-Emery is a regular starter for PSG and has even received call-ups to the France national team and was part of the squad for UEFA Euro 2024. The player’s profile continues to rise and this campaign could be another one in which casual football fans know his name.