Lionel Messi has been criticised for allegedly disrespecting Paris Saint-Germain and manager Mauricio Pochettino, with claims that the Argentine star failed to keep the club informed about his Covid-19 diagnosis and subsequent quarantine.
Former PSG midfielder Jerome Rothen accused Messi of undermining Pochettino's authority, stating that the coach learned of Messi's positive test through third parties while the player isolated in Rosario, Argentina. Rothen told Radio Montecarlo: 'Pochettino was not updated as to where Messi was, and that explains a lot of things. This is not a good thing and I think it is very shocking from Messi.'
Rothen further claimed that only Kylian Mbappe shows proper respect for the coach, adding: 'If you don't respect your coach then you cannot be successful.' The former France international emphasised that the coach must be above all players, regardless of their status.
Messi, 34, returned to Paris earlier this week after recovering from the virus and hopes to feature in Sunday's Ligue 1 match against Lyon. His early form at PSG has been underwhelming, with just one league goal in 11 appearances, though he has scored five in the Champions League.
