Last Update: February 09, 2023, 15:22 IST
Lionel Messi in PSG training (AP)
Jerome Rothen said moving Lionel Messi would be ‘bulls***’ after World Cup-winning performance against Marseille
Lionel Messi’s dream of winning his maiden Coupe de France title came crashing down after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) crashed out of the competition last night. Messi cut a disappointing figure in attack as PSG slumped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Olympique de Marseille. PSG’s poor performance sparked controversy on social media and was criticized by fans World Cup-winning Argentina striker for being ineffective against Olympique de Marseille. Former French winger Jerome Rothen also spoke candidly on Messi’s performance in the Round of 16. In conversation with RMC Play Via The Mirror, the former PSG star criticized Messi, saying that renewing his contract is a bad idea.
“Messi’s extension is bull***, already in terms of numbers. Managing all three is complicated. Next comes the wage bill. And we saw PSG stuck with financial fairness. Because the wage bill has exploded . There, you have the opportunity to reap the big bucks because Messi’s salary is what it can allow you to recruit and improve your squad. For all that, extending Leo Messi is a very bad idea,” Jerome Rothen was quoted as saying. Rothen played a large part of his career at PSG. He went on to make 180 appearances in all competitions for the French giants, scoring 13 goals and assisting 41 times during his stay at PSG.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest ever to grace the football stage. The Argentina international has had a stellar run with the national team, winning the Copa America, the FIFA World Cup and the Finalsima. However, not everyone is happy with his performances for the Ligue 1 outfit. His current contract with the club expires at the end of the season but the PSG team management are understood to be keen on extending his stay.
PSG, in the absence of Kylian Mbappe, during their Coupe de France fixture, looked like a pale shadow of their ruthless nature. The World Cup winning French striker failed to take part in the game due to a hamstring injury. PSG could only manage to register three shots on target against Olympique de Marseille.
Despite all this criticism, it is important to note that Lionel Messi has registered 15 goals and 14 assists in 25 appearances across all competitions for PSG this season. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner left his boyhood club Barcelona to sign for PSG in the summer of 2021.
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