Lionel Messi is experiencing increased critique from Jerome Rothen, as regular trips to Barcelona are causing questions about his dedication to Paris Saint-Germain.
Lionel Messi’s Time at Paris Saint-Germain: A Disappointment?
The renowned seven-time Ballon d’Or champion joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021 to much excitement. However, his connection with the enthusiastic French supporters has since deteriorated. Despite scoring 18 goals and providing 17 assists this season, as well as achieving World Cup success with Argentina, Messi has struggled to consistently perform at his peak for PSG. The persistent ties to his former club, Barcelona, have fueled rumors of a possible return as a free agent.
Ex-PSG Star Rothen’s Take on Messi’s Performance
Former Paris Saint-Germain player Rothen expressed his disappointment with Lionel Messi’s time in Ligue 1 during an interview with RMC Sport. He praised Messi’s impact on football history but lamented his insufficient contributions to PSG over the two seasons. Rothen criticized Messi’s inability to defend the club in interviews and demonstrate his happiness in Paris. He also mentioned Messi’s frequent visits to Barcelona during time off, suggesting that he never truly adapted to life in Paris or embraced PSG’s history.
Comparisons to Neymar and Champions League Performance
Rothen also commented on Messi’s record in French football, comparing him to another high-profile signing, Neymar, who has similarly failed to meet expectations. He noted that neither Lionel Messi nor Neymar made a significant impact in crucial matches, especially in the Champions League. PSG’s early exit from the competition at the hands of Bayern Munich raised further questions about Messi’s future with the club. The uncertainty surrounding his contract renewal has led to speculation about potential moves to clubs in Spain, Major League Soccer, and the Middle East.
Early Days: Messi’s Rise to Stardom
In his younger years, Lionel Messi displayed prodigious talent on the football field. Born in Rosario, Argentina, he began playing football at the age of 6 with Newell’s Old Boys. By the age of 13, Messi moved to Spain to join Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy. It was at this academy where he honed his skills and quickly ascended through the ranks, making his first-team debut in 2004.
Establishing a Legacy at Barcelona
Messi’s time at Barcelona was nothing short of legendary. Over the course of his 17-year tenure, he shattered numerous records and became the club’s all-time top scorer, with 672 goals in 778 appearances. During his illustrious career with the Catalan club, Lionel Messi led the team to ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four UEFA Champions League titles.
His individual achievements were equally impressive. Messi won the Ballon d’Or award six times while at Barcelona, a testament to his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His fierce rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo spurred both players to reach new heights in their careers, as they pushed each other to achieve greatness on the field.
The Iconic Messi-Ronaldo Rivalry
The Messi-Ronaldo rivalry was a significant talking point in football for over a decade. Both players were often compared head-to-head, with fans and pundits debating who was the better player. While Messi excelled with his dribbling, vision, and playmaking abilities, Ronaldo showcased his incredible athleticism, goal-scoring prowess, and versatility. This rivalry led to numerous unforgettable moments in football history, as both players constantly sought to outdo each other.
World Cup Heartbreak and Triumph with Argentina
Lionel Messi’s international career with Argentina was filled with both heartbreak and triumph. He represented his country in four World Cup tournaments, experiencing heart-wrenching losses in the 2014 final against Germany and the 2018 Round of 16 against France. Despite these setbacks, Messi never lost hope and eventually led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa America. This long-awaited triumph cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Argentine footballers ever.
A New Chapter: Leaving Barcelona
In August 2021, Messi’s illustrious time at Barcelona came to an unexpected end due to financial constraints faced by the club. In an emotional farewell, Messi left the club he had called home for more than two decades and joined Paris Saint-Germain. This move marked the end of an era for both Messi and Barcelona, with fans around the world eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the legendary footballer’s career.