Lionel Messi has been accused of changing his behaviour after World Cup winner with Argentina. Former PSG star Jerome Rothen accused Inter Miami star of displaying his “true personality” after winning the continental piece.
The 36-year-old captained his nation to a World Cup triumph in December 2023 before leaving PSG to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami in the MLS. According to Goal, Rothen claimed that the former Barcelona player was only attempting to preserve a positive image before getting his hands on the FIFA World Cup.
“Starting with the star of this team, Leo Messi. Now that he is world champion and for two years since he rested at PSG for the World Cup. He had an image of an endearing boy, but now he has gone to the other side as he is caught by the patrol, and his true personality emerges.” said Rothen.
When he led the Albiceleste to worldwide success in Qatar 2022, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner finally got his hands on the prize he craved the most. Since then, he has won more trophies with PSG and Inter Miami, becoming the most decorated player of all time.
Messi has been criticised for losing his temper on a more frequent basis since becoming world champion. The 36-year-old is allegedly using his status as a world champion as a club to bash opponents who dare to stand up to him. During the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, he had a disagreement with Real Madrid and Brazil youngster Rodrygo raising criticisms.
“Now, there are around ten in this team who reflect an image of the Argentines… I am afraid to make a generalization and say to myself, in fact, it is Argentine nationality which is like that. You think you’re someone else. You feel superior. I am very surprised by their behavior. They could have more class.” Rothen added.
Rothen has also claimed that Messi was unworthy of his record 8th Ballon d’Or which he received at the glittering event in Paris. Erling Haaland has been pushed into second position despite leading Manchester City to a historic treble in 2022-23.
“It’s shameful! Of course, it’s shameful! For me, Haaland should have won it. Between August 2022 and June 2023, what criteria lead us to believe that Messi is better than the rest?” said Rothen.
Messi left European football after his contract at PSG expired despite talks of a touted return to Barcelona. He accomplished a surprising switch to the United States when he joined Inter Miami. In 2024, the Argentine great will be striving for additional big honours with the David Beckham-owned MLS club.
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