The FIFA international break has resulted in some controversy surrounding Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi. The 34-year-old received a call-up to the Argentina national team for their World Cup Qualifying matches against Uruguay and Brazil.
However, the Argentine forward is dealing with an injury, which is why RMC Sport pundit Jérôme Rothen stated on “Rothen s’enflamme” that Messi should’ve turned down a call-up.
“I find that very shocking! Again, I do not understand this decision on the part of Lionel Messi. I’m totally with Leonardo, for once. You may be the best player in the world, the best paid; you must also be accountable to your club, which allowed you to maintain your salary, which was impossible in Barcelona,” Rothen said.
“Messi should have refused the selection? Sounds logical to me! You did not play; you were injured; you were not in Bordeaux in the last match. That you go to the rally to show your injury, no worries, but stay focused on your adaptation to PSG, and you make sure that at PSG, you shine.”
The Argentine media outlet has defended the call-up by La Albiceleste; meanwhile, the French media and sporting director Leonardo have criticized the move.
Now the capital club will monitor his minutes and see if he aggravates his hamstring injury any further.
🗣💬 "C'est très choquant si Messi joue les deux matchs avec l'Argentine"
🇦🇷 Jérôme Rothen ne comprend pas que Messi se rende en Argentine alors que ses pépins physiques l'empêchent de jouer avec le PSG pic.twitter.com/rbQO6D9V2M
— Rothen s'enflamme (@Rothensenflamme) November 9, 2021
