Paris Saint-Germain supporters vented their frustration.
World footballer Lionel Messi, of all people, was whistled at by part of the Paris crowd in the stands during the home game against Stade Rennes on Sunday. The Ultras group “Collectif Ultras Paris” had already announced this action in the run-up to the game. “His salary is too high in relation to what he does on the pitch,” the members of the group at “Mundo Deportivo” justified the loud protest.
Lionel Messi (front) and Marco Verratti – Paris Saint-Germain
Photo credit: Image
PSG in crisis – Galtier defends team
It is therefore hardly surprising that the star ensemble was recently accused of a lack of dedication. However, coach Christophe Galtier firmly rejected this accusation.
“That’s not true. My players gave their all. Feel free to put yourself in the players’ shoes. We had eight players missing. They come into a locker room with youngsters who they saw once or twice in training,” he said the 56 year old.
However, the recent setback has not had any major consequences. After all, the lead at the top of the table over arch-rivals Olympique Marseille is still seven points. In all likelihood, the championship title will go to Paris again this year – but nothing more.
Messi becomes the scapegoat
The two exceptional players Kylian Mbappé and Messi could not change that. Reason enough for parts of the fans to make the Argentine the scapegoat for the overall disappointing season.
On a purely sporting level, however, criticism of Messi is difficult to understand. After all, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner recorded an outstanding 35 points (18 goals, 17 assists) in 32 competitive games.
Lionel Messi – Paris Saint-Germain
Fotocredit: Getty Images
Messi at PSG before leaving?
However, not much remains of the affection Messi experienced when he arrived in the city of love in the summer of 2021. This is not least due to the fact that the attacker, whose contract expires after the season, does not publicly acknowledge Paris.
“What does this boy want? At some point he has to take stock and explain to us that he loves PSG, that he has the legs to do his best, that he is happy. His performances in recent weeks have been less for this reason and that good. Is he here for marketing, for the kits or for the performance?”, 1998 French World Champion Christophe Dugarry shot against Messi recently at ‘RMC’.
Despite all the public criticism, the club is said to be quite willing to extend the superstar’s lucrative contract (allegedly around 40 million euros a year) – but is this also mutual?
Barca are publicly courting Messi
After all, Messi’s ex-club, FC Barcelona, is publicly vying for the superstar’s return to Spain.
“I hope Messi comes back. We’re waiting for him. He doesn’t deserve the treatment he’s getting in Paris,” Barca pro Sergi Roberto recently told Jijantes.
It is therefore anything but impossible that Messi will end the PSG chapter after just two years in order to go back to his oasis of well-being in Catalonia. In any case, the prodigal son would be welcomed with open arms in Barcelona.
Riots in Argentina: Messi surrounded when visiting a restaurant
UPDATE 21/03/2023 AT 3:54 PM
