Former Paris Saint-Germain star Jerome Rothen has urged Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona, claiming the Argentine superstar “disappears in big games” and “doesn’t help in the slightest”.
Rothen, who played for PSG between 2004 and 2009, believes Messi should move on from the Catalan giants and find a new challenge elsewhere.
The ex-midfielder, who also had spells at Monaco and Rangers, believes Messi is no longer the player he once was and is not helping Barcelona in the way he used to.
“I think it’s time for Messi to leave Barcelona,” Rothen told French outlet RMC Sport.
“He’s no longer the player he was. He’s not helping the team in the way he used to. He disappears in big games and he doesn’t help in the slightest.
“He’s still a great player, but he’s no longer the same player he was. He needs to find a new challenge.”
Messi has been at Barcelona since he was 13 and has become one of the greatest players of all time.
He has won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League crowns and six Ballon d’Or awards during his time at the club.
However, the 33-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp in recent months, with Manchester City and Inter Milan reportedly interested in signing him.
Barcelona have endured a difficult season, with the club currently sitting in third place in La Liga and being knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16.
Messi has scored 28 goals in all competitions this season, but Rothen believes the Argentine is no longer the player he once was and should move on.
“He’s still a great player, but he’s no longer the same player he was,” Rothen said.
“He needs to find a new challenge. He’s been at Barcelona for so long and he’s achieved so much, but it’s time for him to move on.”
Messi’s future at Barcelona remains uncertain, but it appears that Rothen believes the Argentine should move on and find a new challenge elsewhere.
