Former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) winger Jerome Rothen has urged fans to boo Lionel Messi if he participates in the Paris Olympics representing Argentina. Rothen accused Messi of disrespecting PSG during his two-year tenure, suggesting that he had not shown commitment to settling in Paris and had criticized the city and country.
Rothen emphasized that despite PSG’s efforts to accommodate Messi, he remained disinterested and failed to reciprocate the respect shown to him upon his arrival. This sentiment echoed Rothen’s previous criticisms of Messi during his time at PSG. Messi eventually departed PSG to join Inter Miami on a free transfer after two years.
“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 on us for two years, boo him.” said Rothen.
In a separate instance, Rothen defended fans’ right to express their emotions during games, including booing players like Messi. He argued that no player, regardless of stature, should be immune to criticism or dissent from supporters.
“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. 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.”
Rothen cited instances where Messi faced hostility from PSG fans, particularly after their UEFA Champions League elimination by Bayern Munich and his decision to leave the club. He asserted that fans have the right to voice their opinions and emotions freely, even towards renowned players like Messi.
