Ex-PSG winger Jerome Rothen opines that Lionel Messi should not be exempt from criticism and suggests that PSG’s fervent supporters have the right to jeer at him during Sunday’s match.
PSG Fans Express Dissatisfaction
Following an unimpressive team and individual display against Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League tie, Lionel Messi has faced criticism from some PSG supporters. Despite the disappointment, the PSG ultras have decided against booing Messi during the upcoming match against Rennes on Sunday.
Ex-PSG forward Rothen has voiced his opinion that the PSG fanbase should express their discontent towards the Argentinian star, emphasizing that he should not be exempt from criticism. Rothen argued on his RMC daily show that it shouldn’t matter if it’s Messi or any other player, and that they can be whistled at by fans.
Brazilian Legend Juninho Shares Similar Sentiments
Brazilian football icon Juninho has also expressed his belief that fans should convey their feelings towards Messi. He mentioned on RMC that it’s normal for even Messi to be whistled, as football is played for the supporters.
Messi’s Father Responds to Rumors
In response to the criticism, Messi’s father has defended his son by denying reports that the player stormed out of PSG training during the week. He also refuted rumors regarding PSG’s unwillingness to meet Messi’s contract demands or that Messi has requested a €600m-per-season contract with Saudi club Al-Hilal.
Upcoming Matches for Messi
Messi is expected to play for PSG in their game against Rennes on Sunday. Following this match, he will join Argentina for his first international action as a World Cup winner, with Argentina set to face Panama on March 24.
Lionel Messi’s Memorable Performances
Lionel Messi began his illustrious career at FC Barcelona, where he made his debut in 2004. Throughout his time at the club, the Argentinian superstar consistently demonstrated his incredible talent and skill. One of his most memorable performances came in 2007 during a match against Getafe, where he scored a breathtaking solo goal. The goal was strikingly similar to the one scored by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup, drawing comparisons between the two legendary Argentine players.
Record-Breaking Season
In the 2011-2012 season, Messi achieved a remarkable feat, breaking the record for the most goals scored in a calendar year. He netted a staggering 91 goals in all competitions, surpassing Gerd Muller’s previous record of 85 goals. This record-breaking accomplishment solidified his status as one of the greatest footballers in history. Among the highlights of that season was his five-goal haul in a Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen, making him the first player to achieve this in the competition.
El Clasico Dominance
Messi’s performances in the El Clasico matches against arch-rivals Real Madrid were consistently exceptional. In the 2011-2012 season, Messi scored a stunning hat-trick at the Santiago Bernabeu, helping Barcelona secure a 4-3 victory. His impact in these high-stakes encounters was a testament to his ability to thrive under pressure and elevate his game when it mattered most.
2015 UEFA Champions League Final
One of Messi’s most notable performances came in the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final against Juventus. Although he didn’t score, his contribution to the match was crucial, as he assisted in one of the goals and consistently threatened the opposition’s defense. Messi’s performance was instrumental in securing Barcelona’s treble-winning season, as they claimed the La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League titles.
Summary
Lionel Messi’s illustrious career has been filled with memorable and breathtaking performances. From his early days at Barcelona to his record-breaking seasons and dominance in El Clasico matches, Messi consistently displayed his exceptional talent and skill. His impact on the sport will always be remembered as one of the greatest in football history.