As Bruno Génésio’s Rennes side completed the league double over the capital team, Lionel Messi is under scrutiny due to his poor performance amidst leave talk to Barcelona.
PSG ultras and fans booed the arguably footballing Great at their home stadium Parc des Princes after they were knocked out by Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 last year. This season he again experienced that on Sunday when they faced Stade Rennes. This came after another UEFA Champions League Round of 16 loss against Bayern Munich. The fans are evidently upset with the Argentine superstar as he failed to make an impact in the Champions League or any big games since arriving in 2021.
Messi getting booed by the PSG fans lmaooooooooo pic.twitter.com/VOD3Imso6X
— Albi 🇽🇰 (@albiFCB7) March 19, 2023
Karl Toko Ekambi and Arnaud Kalimuendo were both on the scoresheet as Rennes to a 2-0 win at PSG’s stadium. Right before the match, players like Messi and Mbappe received boos and whistles from their own fans. Messi was also visibly upset after the game and did not join other players is going to applaud the home fans. He quickly went through the tunnel to the dressing room.
Is Lionel Messi really leaving?
The uncertainty over the number 9’s future continues to grow for PSG even after almost wrapping up the league title. The Magician is yet to sign a contract extension with his current club Paris Saint Germain even after knowing his previous contract expires this summer. Messi and his camp did have a verbal agreement to continue in Paris but the Argentine had a change of heart after winning the World Cup last year.
It is said that Messi is closer to leaving PSG than continuing. The main reasons are the Champions League elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich, rumors of dressing room problems, and PSG facing possible UEFA sanctions for breaching their Financial Fair Play rules. And now the displeasure of the fans could also be a reason.
What will be Lionel Messi’s Destination?
The most likely destinations reportedly for Messi’s next clubs are Barcelona or Inter Miami. With many Barcelona players like Ter Stegan, Ronald Araujo, and now Sergi Roberto speaking of a Messi move openly, it seems the Catalan club will indeed move for the Argentine.
Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto was quoted by Jigantes FC saying, “Who wouldn’t be ready for Leo’s return? We don’t want to talk too much because that’s something the coach [and] the president has to decide… But we, the players, are already waiting for him with open arms.”
Sergi Roberto: "I hope Messi comes back. We are waiting for him. He does not deserve the treatment he receives in Paris", told @JijantesFC 🔵🔴 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 20, 2023
"We are waiting for Leo, we want him at Barça". pic.twitter.com/aRl8uEkfAF
Barcelona meanwhile will have difficulties registering Messi even if it is a free transfer. The former Barca superstar’s enormous wages would not comply with FFP rules. Current Barca president, Joan Laporta is said to be offering a very low salary, and to solve this issue a tribute match will take place where all the earnings of that match would be given to Messi.
