FORMER Paris Saint-Germain winger Jerome Rothen has urged France fans to BOO Lionel Messi if he plays at the Olympics this year.
Messi, 36, joined PSG in a blockbuster transfer from Barcelona in 2021 and spent two years with the Ligue 1 side.
During that time he scored 32 goals, provided 35 assists in 75 appearances and won two league titles.
However, former winger Rothen has claimed that he didn’t show any respect to France.
Towards the end of his spell with PSG, Messi led his country to the World Cup final – where they went on to beat France.
Rothen has accused the forward of “parading with Argentina” after the final.
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Speaking on his talkshow, Rothen s’enflamme, the Frenchman said: “We should not forget what he has not given.
“As a French and a Parisian, seeing him parading with Argentina? Guys, if there is any way to dispute the fact that Messi took the p**s on us for two years, boo him.
“He said it would be a disaster to live in Paris and that he hasn’t received the welcome he feels he was owed. Nonsense.
“He was above the Eiffel Tower like Neymar was. Every French folk showed him respect when he arrived. You expect respect in return and it never arrived.”
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Following his World Cup triumph with Argentina, Messi was given extra time away from PSG duties.
However, he was greeted with a mixed reception from fans upon his return.
Rothen continued: “When he was given off days, he never experienced Paris to the fullest and his performances never lived up to what we hoped for from him…
“We heard he was not celebrated accordingly after winning the World Cup. You beat France in the final! He shouldn’t have expected to see the red carpet rolled out for him.”
Messi is yet to decide if he will join Argentina’s squad for the Olympics in Paris this year.
Javier Mascherano has urged him to join the Under-23s for the games.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
