Former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ahead Jerome Rothen has ripped into Lionel Messi following the Argentinian’s poor efficiency within the Parisians’ UEFA Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
Les Parisiens crashed out of the Champions League after shedding 3-0 on mixture to Bayern of their Spherical of 16 tie. They went into the second leg in Munich with the hopes of overturning a one-goal deficit however suffered a 2-0 defeat as an alternative.
Lionel Messi was amongst those that struggled to step up for PSG as he was largely nameless throughout each legs. He managed only one shot on track on the Allianz Area and was dispossessed twice.
The outcome noticed the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner fail to achieve the quarter-finals of the Champions League in back-to-back seasons for the primary time in his profession. Nevertheless, Rothen has no sympathy for the Argentinian icon.
Lionel Messi has failed to achieve the Champions League quarter-final in back-to-back seasons for the primary time in his profession. 😯#UCL https://t.co/3Qh6o4KH4m
Reacting to the sport, the previous ahead questioned Messi’s dedication to the membership. He accused the famous person of stat padding his numbers with objectives and assists in opposition to Ligue 1 minnows whereas failing to show up in necessary video games.
“Messi, we do not need it!,” Rothen stated on French radio station RMC. “He does not wish to become involved on this membership! He says he is ‘acclimatized’ now, however what are you acclimatized to?! You scored 18 objectives or 16 assists this yr in opposition to Angers and Clermont? However within the matches that matter, you disapper!”
💥🎙 @RothenJerome : “Messi, on n’en veut pas ! Il ne veut pas s’investir dans ce membership ! Il se dit ‘acclimaté’ maintenant mais t’es acclimaté de quoi ?! T’as mis 18 buts ou 16 passes dé cette année contre Angers et Clermont ? Mais dans les matches qui comptent, TU DISPARAIS ! ” https://t.co/xczmq9z7kC
Rothen identified how Lionel Messi led Argentina to glory on the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, however did not step up for the Parisians when wanted, saying:
“The joke is that we noticed his matches on the World Cup, I noticed his actions, how he invested himself. I do not thoughts it, contemplating it is the nationwide staff jersey, a separate factor, however hey, respect the membership within the capital just a little, which lets you preserve a standing and wage.”
“Solely PSG may give him that and, clearly, PSG fell at his toes as a result of they thought Messi was going to make us win [the Champions League]. However he does not win us something.”
How has Lionel Messi fared for PSG this season?
Lionel Messi has scored 18 instances and offered 16 assists in 30 appearances throughout competitions for PSG. Nevertheless, he failed to forestall the staff from crashing out of the Champions League and the Coupe de France.
It’s price noting that the 35-year-old’s contract with Les Parisiens expires on the finish of the season. Whereas the Parisians are eager to tie him right down to a brand new deal, the likes of Rothen should not offered on the thought.