Jerome Rothen asked his former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) club not to extend Lionel Messi's contract after the French giant was eliminated from the 202/2023 European Champions League.
PSG had to go home early and bury their dream of getting their first title from the elite European club competition after losing 0-2 in the second leg of the last 16 at Bayern Munich's headquarters at the Allianz Arena Stadium, Thursday, March 9 yesterday.
Messi's appearance in the second leg was then highlighted by Rothen. According to him, the Argentine did not seem to want to give his best.
"Messi, we don't want it. He doesn't want to contribute to this club. He says he's 'adjusted' now, but what do you adjust?" said Rothen starting his criticism of French radio RMC.
Les Parisiens failed to turn 0-1 behind the first leg so they were eliminated with a 0-3 aggregate defeat. The hosts added to the lead at home through goals from Eric Maxim Choupo Moting and Serge Gnabry.
Rothen admitted that he was surprised in big and important matches like that, how come Messi couldn't show his spurs. In fact, he often makes assists and goals in domestic matches and performs well during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
"You scored 18 goals or 16 assists this year against Angers and Clermont? But in important matches, you sink," he said.
"The league is that we see the game at the World Cup. I see the movement, how he invests himself. I don't mind it, considering it's a national team, a different thing, but respect clubs in the capital that allow you to maintain your status and salary."
"Only PSG could give him that and PSG was clear at his feet because they thought Messi would see us win (the Champions League), but he didn't win anything for us," he added.
Rothen then advised PSG not to extend the contract of the player who owns the seven Ballon d'Or which will end next summer.
"In terms of imagery and what it reflects, I can't understand why Messi wants to prolong his adventure here," he said.
"He didn't try to put the club forward. He never thanked the fans, he lowered his head and went to the dressing room."
"Even when he celebrates goals and his name is hailed, he never gives gestures to fans to thank them for their support. He doesn't want to invest in this project. Therefore, I don't think extending the contract is a good idea to continue," he concluded.
The failure in the Champions League makes PSG now only hope for the Ligue 1 trophy. In that competition they occupy the top position of the standings with a collection of 63 points, followed by Marseille in second place with 55 points.
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