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Former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Jerome Rothen once criticized Lionel Messi for allegedly changing his behavior after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. The Argentine has found massive success with the national team since 2021, leading them to two consecutive Copa America titles alongside the 2022 World Cup triumph.
Months after celebrating his World Cup glory, Lionel Messi left PSG to join MLS side Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. The legendary forward has been in impressive form for the Herons since then, scoring 28 goals and recording 17 assists in 33 appearances for the club so far.
In a November 2023 interview, former PSG star Jerome Rothen criticized Argentina players for their behavior, while specifically mentioning Messi for his changing demeanor since winning the World Cup. He said (via The Sun):
"When it comes to their behavior, they are the first to attack others. Starting with the star of this team, Leo Messi. Now that he is a world champion and has had a good rest ahead of the World Cup since two years ago at PSG. He used to have the image of a sweet guy, but now he has changed because his true personality is coming out and he got caught."
Rothen's quotes came soon after Leo Messi was spotted arguing with Brazil forward Rodrygo during Argentina's 1-0 win over the Selecao in a World Cup qualifier on November 21 at Marcana. In context of the match, Rothen added:
"Today you can’t even touch him anymore. Only when he takes a hit does he make the same comment he made to Rodrygo last night when he said, ‘Hey, I’m a world champion'. The team reflects an image of Argentines. Argentine nationality is like that and you feel superior because of someone else. They could have more class."
The former PSG star also suggested that Lionel Messi did not deserve the 2023 Ballon d'Or and preferred Erling Haaland to win it over him.
When Lionel Messi revealed PSG did not honor him after 2022 World Cup triumph
In a 2023 interview with ESPN's Migue Granados, Lionel Messi revealed that he was the only Argentine who was not honored by his club for winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. Messi said (via ESPN):
"I was the only player of the 25 that didn't get a [club] recognition. It was understandable ... because of us [Argentina], they [France] didn't retain the World Cup."
The Argentine admitted to having a difficult time in Paris after joining the club from Barcelona in 2021. However, he believed everything happens for a reason, and added:
"It happened like that. It was not what I expected, but I always say things happen for a reason. Even if I wasn't well there, it happened that I was world champion while I was there."
During his two seasons in Paris, Lionel Messi scored 32 goals and recorded 35 assists in 75 appearances across all competitions for PSG.
