"He didn't leave like he should have" - Thierry Henry wants PSG superstar Lionel Messi to return to Barcelona
Former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has urged Lionel Messi to return to the Blaugrana this summer. Henry's comments came after the Argentine was booed by fans at the Parc des Princes as Paris Saint-Germain fell to their second straight home defeat in Ligue 1.
PSG lost to Lyon on Sunday (April 2) after losing against Rennes at home in their last game before the international break. The loss left them six points ahead of second-placed Lens in the standings after 29 games.
The PSG home crowd whistled and booed their players off the field after the Lyon defeat, which included Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Speaking on Amazon Prime after the game, Henry urged the former Barcelona star to return to his former club this summer.
He also pointed out Messi's numbers in the league this season. The Argentine has scored 13 and assisted as many goals in Ligue 1 this season.
“It’s embarrassing to hear whistles from the Parc. You can’t whistle one of the best players on the team, who has 13 goals and 13 assists this season,” Henry said.
The Frenchman then proceeded to highlight his unceremonious exit from Barcelona in the 2021 summer window, projecting it as one of the reasons why Lionel Messi should return to the Camp Nou.
“Personally, I would like to see him finish his career at Barcelona, in Europe. After that, I don’t know what he will do. Messi must return to Barcelona for the love of football and because he didn't leave like he should have,” he added.
Lionel Messi approaching end of his contract at PSG
Lionel Messi's contract with PSG is due to expire this summer, with little clarity over his future beyond that. Reports claim that the French giants have tabled an extension offer, but the Argentine is yet to make a decision.
Barcelona are said to be interested in a possible reunion, while Inter Milan have been credited with an interest too. Clubs from Saudi Arabia and the MLS are also reportedly keeping tabs on his situation.