Former PSG star Jerome Rothen questions Lionel Messi’s contract renewal
In the wake of ongoing talks about Lionel Messi extending his stay with Paris Saint-Germain, former PSG winger Jerome Rothen publicly voiced strong reservations. He joined the chorus of critics believing that extending Messi’s contract would not serve the club’s best interests at this moment.
PSG has confirmed through football advisor Luis Campos that conversations about a new deal for the 35-year-old forward continue, but the debate around the potential extension has heated up. Rothen, speaking candidly, described the move as a risky one for a team already juggling a crowded payroll and stringent financial rules.
He asserted that a continued emphasis on star power could actually hinder team balance. In Rothen’s view, the club already faces challenges whenever a single player dominates the spotlight, and adding another long-term commitment to Messi could exacerbate those issues.
The concern is not merely about a single signing. It centers on the broader question of how PSG manages its finances and public expectations while maintaining a competitive squad. Rothen argued that a Messi extension might fail to yield the on-pitch returns that clubs typically seek from marquee signings, especially when the financial fair play framework has tightened spending limits in recent seasons.
Rothen also criticized Messi’s engagement with the club’s brand and its fans. He suggested that Messi has not consistently contributed to the club’s promotional efforts or expressed visible gratitude toward the supporters, a point he said was underscored by his own remarks in an interview with RMC Sport where he did not perceive a notable gesture from Messi in the club’s favor.
Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2021 after leaving Barcelona. At the time, his deal with PSG carried an expiration date set for the summer of 2023, aligning with the club’s strategic planning. In the current campaign, Messi has contributed ten goals and ten assists in 18 league appearances, underscoring his ongoing impact on the field while his contractual future remains a topic of debate among fans and pundits alike.
Media outlets have also highlighted Messi’s status on the world stage, noting that he was recognized as the best player from South America in 2022 by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics. This accolade adds another layer to the discussion about whether extending a contract makes strategic sense for PSG, balancing marketability, performance, and financial discipline.
Ultimately, PSG faces a delicate balancing act: preserving the appeal and prestige of a roster featuring world-class talent while ensuring sustainability and coherence within the squad. The outcome of the renewal talks will likely influence how the club navigates its future transfer strategy, salary structure, and relationship with supporters who expect top-tier performances paired with genuine appreciation for the club’s history and fans.