Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, may leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in frustration, according to former PSG winger Jerome Rothen. The 35-year-old Messi joined PSG with tears in his eyes, but Rothen claims that the footballer has failed to perform his best for the club.
Rothen expressed his disappointment with Messi’s performance in crucial games and his inability to work for the money he receives from PSG. He went on to compare Messi’s performances for PSG with his performances for Barcelona, stating that the former doesn’t measure up to the latter.
“It is a disappointment, another one. [We’ve] had a lot. I am extremely disappointed with his attitude, his performance, and this information. I don’t care if he has 15 or 20 assists,” Rothen said in an interview with Goal.
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Rothen’s statement comes at a time when PSG is struggling to keep up with Ligue 1 leaders Lille. The Paris-based club is currently second in the league standings, three points behind Lille, with just four games remaining. PSG is also out of the Champions League, having been knocked out in the semi-finals by Manchester City.
Messi’s arrival at PSG was greeted with much fanfare, as the footballer left Barcelona after spending 21 years at the club. He joined PSG on a two-year contract with an option for a third year, reportedly worth €35 million per year.
However, Messi’s performances for PSG have been inconsistent, and he has faced criticism for his lack of impact in important games. In particular, he was criticized for his performance in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Manchester City, where he failed to make an impact as PSG lost 2-0.
Despite his inconsistent performances, Messi has contributed significantly to PSG’s campaign this season, scoring 25 goals and providing 13 assists in 38 appearances. He has also formed a formidable attacking partnership with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr.
However, Rothen believes that Messi’s contribution to PSG is not enough, given his reputation as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
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“He’s been recruited for this reason. When we recruit someone like Lionel Messi, it’s not just to score goals in Ligue 1. It’s to make the difference in the big games, in the Champions League,” Rothen said.
Rothen’s comments are likely to fuel speculation about Messi’s future at PSG, especially as the footballer has yet to sign a new contract with the club. There have been rumors that Messi is unhappy with life in Paris and that he may be considering a return to Barcelona or a move to another club.
However, PSG’s sporting director, Leonardo, has dismissed these rumors, stating that the club is in talks with Messi about a new contract and that he expects the footballer to stay at the club next season.
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Despite the uncertainty surrounding Messi’s future at PSG, there is no denying that the footballer remains one of the greatest players of all time. He has won seven Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League titles, and ten La Liga titles, among other honors.
Whether he stays at PSG or moves on to another club, Messi’s legacy in football is secure, and his influence on the sport is likely to endure for years to come.
