Sergi Roberto feels Messi is treated unfairly at PSG, backs him for Barcelona return

Barcelona star Sergi Roberto has expressed his desire for Lionel Messi to return to Camp Nou.

The Argentine playmaker’s future at Paris Saint-Germain is up in the air, with his contract expiring in the summer – though there is an option to extend his stay for another year at the French capital.

While the Qatari-owned club were eager to hand Messi a new contract following the World Cup triumph, the stance could change now in the wake of PSG’s Champions League elimination against Bayern Munich.

Reports are stating that one of the ramifications of the UCL setback could be Messi heading towards the exit doors.

The chances of staying have seemingly diminished after he was jeered by fans during yesterday’s Ligue 1 home game against Rennes, which PSG eventually lost 2-0.

Messi also sparked further debate after heading to the tunnel straightaway after the game, avoiding the chance to congratulate the fans.

Roberto has taken a dig at PSG, suggesting that a player of Messi’s stature is being treated unfairly by the Ligue 1 giants.

Speaking to Gerard Romero after the Clasico victory, Roberto said (h/t Goal):” With open arms, who is not going to be prepared for Messi’s return? In the end, we don’t want to talk a lot because he, the president, the coach or whoever has to decide, but if it’s because of the players, we are waiting for him now.

“You don’t understand that he is having a good season in Paris, scoring many goals, assisting… Because of the [Champions League] elimination they have taken issue with him, but he is a spectacular player and it’s bad that a player of this level is treated in this way. Here we are going to treat him very well if he comes.”

There have been rumours lately that Barca are planning to re-sign the 35-year-old this summer though their financial difficulties suggest otherwise.

Messi feels betrayed by the Blaugrana and president Joan Laporta for his departure against his will in the summer of 2021.

The Catalan giants want to make amends for it and bring him back to Camp Nou for the last chapter of his career.

MLS and Saudi Arabian League have also been touted as potential destinations for Messi.