Former Arsenal player Thierry Henry has advised Lionel Messi to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and return to Barcelona. Messi has had a difficult two years at PSG, with the team failing to win the Champions League and the player being booed by PSG fans during their recent games against Rennes and Lyon. Despite scoring 18 goals and providing 17 assists in 33 appearances, Messi has faced criticism from the crowd, leading Henry to describe the jeers as “embarrassing”.
Henry, who played with Messi at Barcelona, believes that the Argentine should return to the Nou Camp when his contract expires in June. He said that he would like to see Messi finish his career at Barcelona in Europe, adding that he did not like the way Messi left the club after everything he had done for them. Henry urged Messi to return to Barcelona “for the love of football”.
Barcelona is reportedly interested in re-signing Messi just two years after his departure from the club. According to Barca vice president Rafa Yuste, the team has been in contact with Messi’s camp. Yuste said that Messi knows how much the team appreciates him and that he would love for him to come back. He added that Messi loves Barcelona and the city and that they hope to find the right conditions to continue his history with the team.
Messi joined PSG in August 2021 after leaving Barcelona, where he spent 21 years. During his time at Barcelona, he won ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four Champions League titles. He also won seven Ballon d’Or awards, which are given to the best football player in the world.
Messi’s move to PSG was seen as a major coup for the French team, who were hoping to win their first Champions League title since 2015. However, despite having a strong squad that includes Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, PSG has struggled in Europe, losing to Manchester City in the semi-finals of the 2020-21 season and to RB Leipzig in the group stage of this season’s competition.
Messi’s performances for PSG have been impressive, but he has not been able to replicate the success he had at Barcelona. His struggles have led to criticism from fans and pundits, with some questioning whether he made the right decision in leaving Barcelona.
Henry’s comments are likely to add fuel to the speculation that Messi could return to Barcelona. The team is currently rebuilding under new manager Xavi Hernandez, who played with Messi at Barcelona and is seen as a key figure in the team’s future. If Messi were to return to Barcelona, it would be a major boost for the team and could help them to challenge for major honours once again.