I really don’t see the difference for Messi in playing against the likes of Almeria, Elche, Getafe, Girona, Celta Vigo or Rayo compared to Troyes, Brest, Auxerre, Clermont or Lorient (even though they are good this season). I would say La Liga is more technical than Ligue 1, while the French top league is way more physical. There is a noticeable difference at the top level competition-wise (Real, Atleti, Sevilla, Betis, Villarreal v Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Monaco) which relates to the difference in UEFA coefficient, but I think it’s safe to say Messi would’ve just continued to perform at the same level in La Liga had he stayed in Barcelona. From this point, I don’t really get the “retirement league” reactions, he’s been playing well in every competition this season.