PSG superstar Lionel Messi-endorsed crypto exchange Bitget flagged by Japan's Financial Services Agency - Reports

FC Bayern München v Paris Saint-Germain: Round of 16 Second Leg - UEFA Champions League
Lionel Messi could be in a soup for his links with Bitget.

Bitget, a cryptocurrency exchange Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi backs, has received a warning from Japan's Financial Services Agency.

On Friday (March 31), Bitget was named among the four foreign crypto exchanges that violated Japan’s fund settlement laws. According to Finance Magnates, Bitget, Bybit, BitForex and MEXC Global, conducted crypt asset exchanges without prior registration. The regulatory warning read:

“(Having a list of unregistered traders) does not necessarily indicate the current state of unregistered business.”

Bitget gained visibility after bringing on Messi as their partner and sponsoring Serie A giants Juventus. Founded in 2018, Bitget signed the Argentine in October 2022 to reignite the general public’s interest in crypto and to benefit from the PSG star’s massive fanbase.

After coming on board, Messi said (via bitcoin.com):

“I would like to thank Bitget in making me a part of the crypto trading social world with such exciting campaign. I like the Bitget’s brand film “make it count” concept of leading the vision and charting a new path within the industry.”

Bitget’s managing director Gracy Chen expressed happiness after recruiting the GOAT:

“Partnering with the GOAT inspires us to strive for the best performance, and the World Cup period is the best time to remind ourselves about the importance of building and training for the moment to shine. We would like to celebrate the football spirit in the world of crypto and are prepared to continue investing in the ecosystem even when times are tough.”

Bitget is Messi’s second crypto tie-up. He first teamed up with the fan token platform Socios in March 2022.


Nicolas Tagliafico defends PSG ace Lionel Messi after boos from fans

A section of PSG fans booed when Lionel Messi’s name was announced in the line-up to take on Lyon at the Parc des Princes on Sunday, April 2). It was the second time the 2022 world champion was booed by his fans in Paris. He was also jeered in the 2-0 defeat to Rennes on March 18.

After the game, which ended 1-0 in Lyon’s favour, Nicolas Tagliafico reacted to the treatment of Messi. The Lyon left-back said that fans are wrong to pin all the blame on Messi, as each team member is responsible for wins and defeats.

The Argentine star said about his compatriot (via @AlbicelesteTalk):

“Football is a team sport; it’s not just for one player.”

Fans have been on Messi’s case since PSG’s UEFA Champions League elimination against Bayern Munich in the Round of 16. He was ineffective across both legs as PSG succumbed to a 3-0 aggregate defeat.

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