Sergi Roberto feels Messi is treated unfairly at PSG, backs him for Barcelona return

Football Today

·20 March 2023

Sergi Roberto feels Messi is treated unfairly at PSG, backs him for Barcelona return

Barcelona star Sergi Roberto wants Lionel Messi to return to Camp Nou.

The Argentine playmaker’s future at Paris Saint-Germain is up in the air, with his contract expiring in the summer, although there is an option to extend his stay for another year.

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While the Qatari-owned club were eager to hand Messi a new deal following Argentina’s World Cup triumph, the stance could change in the wake of PSG’s Champions League elimination against Bayern Munich.

The chances of Messi staying have seemingly diminished after he was jeered by fans during yesterday’s Ligue 1 home game against Rennes, which PSG lost 2-0.

Messi also sparked further debate after heading to the tunnel after the game, avoiding the chance to acknowledge the fans.

Roberto has taken a dig at PSG, suggesting that a player of Messi’s stature is being mistreated by the Ligue 1 giants.

Speaking to Gerard Romero after the Clasico victory, Roberto said: “With open arms, who is not going to be prepared for Messi’s return?

“In the end, we don’t want to talk a lot because he, the president, the coach or whoever has to decide, but if it’s because of the players, we are waiting for him now.

“You don’t understand that he is having a good season in Paris, scoring many goals, assisting… Because of the [Champions League] elimination they have taken issue with him.

“But he is a spectacular player and it’s bad that a player of this level is treated in this way. Here we are going to treat him very well if he comes.”

Sergi Roberto: "I hope Messi comes back. We are waiting for him. He does not deserve the treatment he receives in Paris", told @JijantesFC 🔵🔴 #FCB "We are waiting for Leo, we want him at Barça".
– Monday, 20 March 2023

There have been rumours lately that Barca are planning to re-sign the 35-year-old this summer although their financial difficulties suggest otherwise.

Messi feels betrayed by the Blaugrana and president Joan Laporta for his departure against his will in 2021.

The Catalan giants want to make amends for it and bring him back to Camp Nou for the last chapter of his career.

Major League Soccer and the Saudi Arabian League have also been touted as potential destinations for Messi.

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