“The relationship is broken with the fans”: Ex-PSG MF criticizes Lionel Messi for failing to meet expectations following Barcelona departure

Former Paris Saint Germain player Mathieu Bodmer believes Lionel Messi moving from Barcelona to the Parisian club was a disaster.

The Argentine’s 21-year association with Barcelona came to a close in the summer of 2021. He had no choice but to leave the Blaugrana because they were unable to give him a new contract due to financial limitations.

Messi then signed a two-year contract with PSG for a free move. The Parisians had anticipated that the forward would be the last element of the equation in their bid for victory in the UEFA Champions League.

Lionel Messi joins Paris Saint-Germain on two-year contract after leaving  Barcelona | Football News | Sky Sports

However, at the Parc des Princes, things have not gone as planned for the seven-time Ballon d’Or champion. Despite having 29 goals and 32 assists in 32 starts across competitions, his efforts in big games, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, have been disappointing.

What went wrong with Lionel Messi at PSG? 

Les Parisien’s fans have had enough of Messi and have not been shy about voicing their displeasure. During the team’s 1-0 Ligue 1 defeat to Olympique Lyon on Sunday, a portion of the crowd ridiculed the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.

This is not the first time the PSG fans have booed the 35-year-old World Cup winner. PSG ultras and fans booed the Argentine World Cup winner 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.

P.S.G.'s Star System Has Run Its Course with Lionel Messi at the core- The New York Times

This season he again experienced that when they faced Stade Rennes before the international break. This came after another UEFA Champions League Round of 16 loss against Bayern Munich. 

According to Mathieu Bodmer, the superstar’s relationship with the PSG fans has soured in recent months. He also chastised the former Barcelona star for not living up to promises. Speaking on RMC Sport,

“Messi at PSG, it’s a waste. At PSG, we’re tough on the players. We’re the only club in the world capable of whistling him. He didn’t deliver what we expected. The relationship is broken with the fans. It’s a shame.”

What next for Messi?

PSG’s two-year contract with Lionel Messi ends at the conclusion of the season. The Parisians have been clear about their wish to retain him past the summer, but negotiations have stalled.

This summer, the 35-year-old could depart Parc des Princes as a free agent. Barcelona is believed to be interested in bringing the star player back to the club. The Blaugrana are not, however, the only side interested in acquiring the left-footed maestro.

According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, the star has been offered a €400 million-per-year deal from Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal, while Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami is also highly interested.  

What do you think about Mathieu Bodmer’s comments? Do you think Messi leaves or stays at PSG? Let us know in the comments down below!

 

Fazal Al Bashar

481 articles

Fazal is a passionate soccer aficionado, who when not discovering the latest soccer stories and rumors, indulges in playing FIFA all night. While he sucks at the sport, he knows the who and what in all things soccer-related.

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