Former Paris Saint-Germain forward Jerome Rothen has urged PSG to consider parting ways with either Neymar or Lionel Messi and to structure a squad around Kylian Mbappe, aiming for a more cohesive future blend.
In Rothen’s view, PSG should prioritize a strategic shift that reduces the overlap within the so‑called MHM trio. His stance is clear: Neymar or Messi leaving could open space for Mbappe to lead a revamp, rather than clinging to a lineup that might constrain the club’s long‑term trajectory.
Messi’s stint in Paris remains a point of intense debate. He has left a permanent mark on football history, yet the practical realities of his time at PSG have sparked discussions about return on investment and the ongoing fit within the team. While Messi’s presence has generated excitement and global attention, the question for PSG is whether his contributions align with the project’s evolving needs and financial framework.
For Messi himself, the transition from Barcelona to Paris feels like a chapter that still needs full reconciliation. Although he publicly maintains that life is satisfying, many observers note a disharmony on the field that has tempered the expected impact of a player of his caliber in Ligue 1. Such observations complicate assessments of his current and future role at the club.
Rothen’s public support for a decisive restructuring places responsibility on the leadership, including sporting director Luis Campos, to confront the reality of the squad composition. The suggestion is to acknowledge that Messi’s arrival brought undeniable attention but that the overall balance of the roster may require a different distribution of star power to maximize results in domestic and European competition.
Meanwhile, Neymar’s situation remains a complex matter of economics and timing. The discussion about his value oscillates with market dynamics, including the willingness of other leagues to absorb his wages and the feasibility of a transfer strategy that could realign PSG’s wage structure with its competitive ambitions. The club’s past understanding of Neymar’s transfer cost has lingered in the conversation as a touchstone for evaluating potential exits or restructurings.
In a recent match, PSG faced Lille in a tense Ligue 1 affair that ended 4‑3, with Mbappe and the team rallying to secure victory in the closing stages. Such performances underscore the appetite within the squad for dramatic, high‑stakes outcomes and provide a tangible backdrop for discussions about how best to deploy the club’s star talent in pursuit of silverware across all competitions.
From a statistical perspective, Messi’s season in France has included significant contributions. Across 19 appearances, he has produced goals and assists that demonstrate value, while the broader team performance shows PSG maintaining a lead at the top of the table with a comfortable buffer over Marseille after 24 rounds. These numbers frame the ongoing debate about the optimal mix of players to sustain championship contenders while also exploring new strategic directions for the club.
There has been speculation about Messi’s contract trajectory and whether his future with PSG might extend beyond the current terms. Such rumors reflect the broader tension between star status and the daily realities of squad construction, salary management, and long‑term planning that governs top‑flight football clubs in Europe today. The evolving narrative around Messi’s role, and PSG’s adaptability, remains a central thread in discussions of the club’s direction in the near future.