Messi has yet to sign a new contract, and PSG ultras will whistle at the 35-year-old in protest at a possible extension.
- The Argentinian star moves to France in 2021
- Not able to deliver glory in Europe
- His contract expires this summer
WHAT HAPPENED? The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner moves to the Parc des Princes in 2021 on a free transfer after breaking a long-term relationship at Barcelona. Meanwhile Lionel Messi, who is Argentina’s mainstay at the 2022 World Cup, is facing accusations of not fully committing to the collective endeavour at club level. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have been knocked out of the Champions League again this season and without an extension to his France contract signed, he will be a target for disgruntled supporters.
WHAT THEY SAID: Sports world claims to have been told by a prominent member of PSG’s ultras group ahead of their Ligue 1 home clash with Rennes: “We will whistle at Messi this Sunday. He has too high a salary compared to what he offers on the pitch.”
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: It is said that PSG ultras find Messi to be most to blame for their Champions League last 16 loss to Bayern Munich, as they failed to make an impact in both legs of the match. The protests against Messi during the clash with Rennes are not expected to escalate, while there is no indication of whether the boos were leveled at him when the line-up was announced, when players took to the pitch or during the game.
IN THE PHOTOS:
WHAT IS NEXT? Messi isn’t the only superstar to fall short in trying to help PSG achieve their main targets this season, Brazil international Neymar currently out injured and Kylian Mbappe – despite generating much talk of an exit a year later. signed a new contract himself – deemed untouchable by his adoring fan base in the French capital.
