Former PSG star tells France to 'BOO' Messi if he returns with Argentina squad

Former Paris Saint-Germain and France international Jerome Rothen wants supporters of his previous club to boo Lionel Messi if the Argentinian decides to be part of his nation's upcoming Olympic Games squad.

Messi has the chance to win a second Olympic gold medal after being invited by close-friend and former Barcelona team-mate to be part of Argentina's Under-23 squad for the tournament.

Mascherano recently guided the Albiceleste to Olympics qualification following their win over reigning gold medallists Brazil and made a pitch for Messi to be part of the team as an older player.

This year's summer Olympics take place in familiar territory for Messi after he spent two-years in the French capital between 2021 and 2023. However, any ideas of a warm welcome back to the nation might have to be put on hold after Rothen's latest demand.

41-year-old Rothen was a mainstay in French football, boasting nearly 300 Ligue 1 appearances with 180 of those at PSG, and fumed that Messi took the 'p***' during his short time at the club.

Explaining the unsavoury reception that France football supporters should give the Rosario-born superstar if he does compete in the Olympics, Rothen stated Messi never showed any respect to his nation.

'We should not forget what he has not given. As a French and a Parisian, seeing him parading with Argentina? Guys, if there is any way to dispute the fact that Messi took the p*** on us for two years, boo him,' Rothen said on his talkshow Rothen s'enflamme.

'He said it would be a disaster to live in Paris and that he hasn't received the welcome he feels he was owed. Nonsense.

'He was above the Eiffel Tower like Neymar was. Every French folk showed him respect when he arrived. You expect respect in return and it never arrived,' he added.

Messi's time at the Qatari-backed PSG saw him seal his ultimate career dream of winning the World Cup with Argentina in a chaotic final against France in 2022.

He later returned after a break celebrating back in south America and was met with a confused response from club supporters who were delighted to see him back, but also annoyed that he was responsible for beating France in the final.

Rothen continued to criticise Messi, adding: 'When he was given off days, he never experienced Paris to the fullest and his performances never lived up to what we hoped for from him (…).

'We heard he was not celebrated accordingly after winning the World Cup. You beat France in the final! He shouldn't have expected to see the red carpet rolled out for him.'