Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto has criticized the treatment of Lionel Messi by French club Paris Saint-Germain’s fans. Messi left his long-time home in Barcelona for Paris Saint Germain back in 2021 where he was united with his former teammate Neymar. With French superstar, Kylian Mbappe already on board, fans anticipated something huge.
Much to the dismay of most fans, the trio did not click the way previously expected. Reports of conflict between the megastars surfaced online some time ago and have only gained more and more traction. Currently, there are rumors that Messi, Embappe, and Neymar could leave PSG within the next few years.
Why was Lionel Messi booed?
PSG ultras and fans booed the arguably footballing Great at their home stadium Parc des Princes after they were knocked out by Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 last year. This season he again experienced that on Sunday when they faced Stade Rennes. This came after another UEFA Champions League Round of 16 loss against Bayern Munich.
The fans are evidently upset with the Argentine superstar as he failed to make an impact in the Champions League or any big games since arriving in 2021.
PSG was also defeated by Rennes that same day in Ligue 1. Karl Toko Ekambi and Arnaud Kalimuendo both scored and fired Rennes to a 2-0 win at PSG’s stadium. Right before the match, players like Messi and Mbappe received boos and whistles from their own fans.
Messi was also visibly upset after the game and did not join other players is going to applaud the home fans. He quickly went through the tunnel to the dressing room.
What did Sergi Roberto say?
Sergi Roberto, Barcelona player and ex-teammate of Lionel Messi spoke about the issue. He was recently the Man of the Match in the last El Clasico where Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-1 where he also scored the first goal for the home team.
While speaking to Jigantes FC, he said, ‘‘You can’t understand why, he is having good seasons in Paris, scoring a lot of goals, assisting. They’ve taken it out on him because of the elimination [from the Champions League], but he’s a spectacular player and it’s very bad that a player of this level is treated in this way. We’re going to treat him very well here if he comes.’’
💣💣💣 pic.twitter.com/rorWhXJcmX
— Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) March 19, 2023
He then added his desire to see Messi come back to the Catalan club, “I hope Leo Messi returns to FC Barcelona. We are waiting for him. He does not deserve the treatment he’s receiving in Paris. We want him at Barça!”
Lionel Messi is yet to sign a contract extension with his current club Paris Saint Germain. His previous contract expires this summer. Messi and his camp did have a verbal agreement to continue in Paris but the Argentine had a change of heart after winning the World Cup last year.
Sergi Roberto: "I hope Messi comes back. We are waiting for him. He does not deserve the treatment he receives in Paris", told @JijantesFC 🔵🔴 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 20, 2023
"We are waiting for Leo, we want him at Barça". pic.twitter.com/aRl8uEkfAF
Why is Messi close to an exit?
It is said that Messi is closer to leaving PSG than continuing. The main reasons are the Champions League elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich, rumors of dressing room problems, and PSG facing possible UEFA sanctions for breaching their Financial Fair Play rules. The fact that he was booed by his own fans could further edge him to an exit.
The most likely destinations reportedly for Messi’s next clubs are Barcelona or Inter Miami. Many Barcelona players like Ter Stegan, Ronald Araujo, and now Sergi Roberto speaking of a Messi move openly. It seems the Catalan club will indeed move for the Argentine.
