With a big name comes big responsibility, and after Lionel Messi failed to prevent Paris Saint Germain getting knocked out of the Champions League, former PSG winger Jerome Rothen criticizes the 2022 World Cup winner heavily.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was among many others in the Paris squad who failed to deliver in their 2-0 2nd leg loss against Bayern Munich. According to Rothen, he has failed to provide any significant impact in his Paris Saint Germain spell altogether.
What did Jerome Rothen say about Lionel Messi?
The Frenchman was very blunt in a recent interview with the French radio station RMC, expressing his disdain for Messi.
“Goodbye, Leo.Go back to I don’t know where. I wish you the best but not at PSG. It’s terrible to talk like that about Messi. I’m nobody, but still, I’ve been disappointed since he arrived,” he said. “I judge him as a great player, as the best player on the planet, I am entitled as a supporter of this club to expect something else from him, a commitment. He made fun of our faces with his commitment, his image, and the efforts he makes.”
🗣 "Adios Leo, adios. Je te souhaite le meilleur mais surtout plus au Paris Saint-Germain"
🔴🔵 Jérôme Rothen pense que Messi doit QUITTER le PSG. pic.twitter.com/QSS1UOqKY9
— Rothen s'enflamme (@Rothensenflamme) March 9, 2023
Also read: Lionel Messi reaches career milestone as his assist propels Kylian Mbappe’s last minute PSG winner
Messi had an underwhelming debut season with PSG, managing only 6 league goals and 14 assists. He redeemed himself somewhat in the current season. As of now, he has scored 18 goals and 17 assists for Les Parisiens in the 2022/2023 season.
Messi returned to Paris after a sensational World Cup. He performed exceptionally in the tournament, which ended Argentina’s 36 year World Cup drought. In addition to becoming World Champion, Messi also won the golden ball.
Despite all the harsh criticisms, Lionel Messi is still the favorite to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or. He already has the highest number of Ballon d’Ors won by an individual, and should he win again, it will be his 8th.
There are rumors that Messi will leave Paris Saint Germain after his contract expires this summer. And following PSG’s UCL exit, no one knows for sure where Messi will be playing next season.
