2024 holds a myriad of opportunities for Lionel Messi on the global stage. Apart from the Copa America, La Pulga is reportedly set to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics after Argentina U23 emerged victorious against Brazil U23 in the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament. While Javier Mascherano eagerly awaits Messi’s confirmation for the summer games, the Inter Miami star has been cautioned that his return to Paris will not be met with open arms.
Jerome Rothen seems to have a lasting memory of the icon’s two-year tenure at PSG. The French figurehead openly reminded his fellow countrymen about the Barcelona legend’s treatment of the Parisians. Speaking on Rothen s’enflamme RMC Sport, he stated, “Certain individuals seem to have forgotten quickly. He has been criticizing PSG, France, and Paris since his departure.” Rothen took a swipe at Lionel Messi for describing his time in the French capital as a ‘disaster.’ He also asserted that while France respected the 36-year-old, the sentiment was not reciprocated. The tirade did not stop there!
🇦🇷 calls on Parisians to boo Messi if he returns to Paris for the Olympics: “If he comes back flaunting the Argentine jersey, I’m not saying we should be violent, but whistle at him when he’s on the field!”
— Rothen s’enflamme (@Rothensenflamme)
“He joined PSG to shine at the World Cup, and we clearly understood that it was a financially favorable place to reside,” Rothen added. The pundit then made a peculiar request to the French populace. “As a Parisian and a Frenchman, seeing him return here representing Argentina makes me want to say: ‘Guys, boo him.'”
He clarified that he was not advocating for violence, but he aligned with the belief that French locals should express their dissatisfaction by ‘whistling’ at Messi. “Let’s not assume it will be a warm reception,” he concluded. These assertions are likely to displease Lionel Messi, who has yet to respond to Mascherano’s inquiry about his participation in the Olympics.
Argentina U23 coach Javier Mascherano is eager to invite both Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria to the Paris Olympics. However, several factors may impede their involvement. “As a coach, I have a responsibility to invite them, but one must understand that they have other commitments, and it will depend on them. It’s not that straightforward,” he stated.
Mascherano acknowledges that both players have obligations to their respective club teams. Additionally, with the Copa America taking place from June 20 to July 14, followed by the Olympics from July 26 to August 11, Lionel Messi and Di Maria have busy schedules. Therefore, it remains uncertain what decision the attacking duo will make in the days to come.
According to the Source essentiallysports.com