Why did PSG fans boo Lionel Messi?

After thrusting his already unquestionable legacy into an impenetrable realm in December, Lionel Messi probably isn’t too bothered by a few disgruntled Parisians.

The magic man’s fairytale campaign in Qatar has all but rendered him the greatest footballer to ever do it. International failure was the only blemish on Messi’s otherwise pristine CV, but then he lead Argentina to Copa America and World Cup glory in back-to-back years. Football? He’s completed it, mate.

When we look back on Messi’s stellar career, the overwhelming majority of us will reminisce over his Barcelona days, and, of course, his majestic few weeks in Qatar. His spell at PSG, while cool from a commercial standpoint, will largely be forgotten. The 35-year-old has been productive during his second season at the club, but not even his greatness will allow PSG to reach their ultimate goal.

The PSG Messi experiment will probably end without a Champions League trophy after Bayern Munich dumped Les Parisiens out of the competition in the round of 16. The Argentine is expected to leave the French capital in the summer, with his next destination not yet clear.

Nevertheless, despite his seeming invincibility, Messi has not been immune from criticism in recent times. PSG supporters love a boo, and Messi was a distinct target ahead of their Ligue 1 clash against Rennes last weekend.

Messi was booed while his name was read out before PSG’s Ligue 1 clash with Rennes at the weekend. Les Parisiens subsequently lost 2-0 with the Argentine storming down the tunnel after the game.

Much of the supporters’ discontent revolves around the club’s performance in the Champions League. The French giants went out with a whimper against Bayern in the round of 16, with fans believing Messi didn’t pull his weight when it mattered most.

However, this is hardly a novel concept. PSG supporters love to slander their superstars in the wake of continental disappointment. While Kylian Mbappe remains an untouchable hero, both Neymar and Messi were jeered on home soil after they were eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid last season.

What these ‘ultras’ attempt to achieve by booing their protagonists is unknown, and PSG boss Christophe Galtier was particularly critical of the jeers.

“Whistles and boos against Leo Messi and the players? For what reason? Last season is…