Lionel Messi is yet to extend his contract with Paris Saint-Germain. Messi’s contract at PSG ends in 2023, and while there have been reports of a verbal agreement on an extension, Messi is yet to sign it. Over the past few weeks, there have been a lot of controversies regarding Messi’s contract situation at PSG. Amidst rumors of a return to Barcelona, Messi has been branded an “anomaly” at PSG.
Soccer pundit Jerome Rothen talked about Lionel Messi’s situation at PSG during an interview with RMC Sport. Rothen, who played for PSG from 2004 to 2010, talked about Messi’s performances for the French club so far. Rothen said, “Lionel Messi has been an anomaly since he arrived. It’s hard to talk like that about such a player who has marked the history of football so much.”
“It’s a very bad idea to extend the contract with Messi. He doesn’t bother to take the club forward, lowers his head and goes to the dressing room. They sing his name, but he never made a nice gesture of gratitude to the fans.”
Jérôme Rothen, former PSG player, via @RMCsport. 🤌 pic.twitter.com/ynEH1H57TR
— Context Ronaldo (@ContextRonaldo) February 8, 2023
Rothen also blamed PSG’s sporting director, Luis Campos, for the failure of Messi at PSG. Rothen said, “I’m totally in the direction of the club today. Luis Campos must take responsibility, admit that the arrival of Lionel Messi was not necessarily a good thing and that it was a failure.” Moreover, Rothen also talked about how Messi’s exit from Barcelona affected the Argentine star.
He said, “Most certainly, he feels a bit orphaned by Barcelona. Even if he says that his life today has improved, it does not; you can’t see on the pitch.” While some may agree with Rothen’s opinions, it wouldn’t be fair to say that Messi has been a failure at PSG. In Messi’s 61 appearances for PSG so far, he has registered 27 goals and 28 assists. Messi has also won a Ligue 1 title and the French Super Cup with PSG.
Is Lionel Messi moving back to FC Barcelona?
Lionel Messi’s contract situation at PSG is in turmoil. Although initially there were reports that Messi has agreed to extend his contract with PSG, currently, the tables have turned. It seems that Messi no longer wants to stay at PSG. However, this does not indicate that Messi wants to move back to FC Barcelona. Recently, Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, announced that the chances of Messi’s return to Barcelona are very slim.
Messi returns to Barcelona for dinner with Jordi Alba and Busquets https://t.co/gTDAhY4aIb
— Newsafricanow (@newsafricanow) February 21, 2023
Most recently, the rumors of Messi’s return to Barcelona have started again as the Argentine star was spotted in Barcelona recently. However, it was later found out that the Argentine talisman was simply back in the Spanish city to have dinner with his old Barca teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The reports indicate that Messi will make his decision after PSG’s match against Bayern Munich in the Champions League next month.