Mascherano Warns Paris Saint Germain Will "Regret" How They Treated Lionel Messi

Javier Mascherano has come to the defense of his former teammate Lionel Messi, warning Paris Saint-Germain that they will come to regret their treatment of the World Cup winner. 

Mascherano's remarks follow a string of incidents that tarnished Messi's reputation, as the PSG fans never fully embraced the 35-year-old Argentine and booed him at every turn.

Lionel Messi’s getting booed by some Paris Saint-Germain fans during today’s game vs Bordeaux, still disappointed after UCL fiasco. Same for Neymar. ⚠️ #Messi

Kind of unreal situation for Leo, never experienced before. pic.twitter.com/US5ZvUtvtH

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 13, 2022

 In addition, the PSG management also failed to provide Messi with a team that could effectively compete for European championships. Recently, a group known as the SG Ultras protested against the Argentine, demanding that he be expelled from the club.

"Any team in the world would give everything to have Leo Messi for five minutes"

- Javier Mascherano🎙️ pic.twitter.com/CvsUtAi5WE

— LM 🇦🇷⁷ (@Leo_messii_7) May 5, 2023

The SG Ultras surrounded PSG's headquarters and chanted derogatory slogans at the 7-time Ballon d'Or winner after the club suspended him for two weeks.

Javier Mascherano expressed his "pity" for the Paris fans, stating that he believes they have no idea about the value that Lionel Messi brings to a team. Mascherano made these comments during an interview with Ole.

“It’s a pity for not realizing the type of player they were lucky to have on their team. I think that 10 years ago, no Paris fan imagined that they could possibly have the best player in history on their team And instead of enjoying it, they spent these two years criticizing it.”

Mascherano cautioned the PSG fans that they will eventually regret their behavior towards Lionel Messi, particularly once the star leaves the club.

“In 10 years they will regret it. Any team in the world would give anything to have him for five minutes. Neither party deserved this ending.”

Javier Mascherano believes PSG fans will regret their treatment of Lionel Messi 😬 pic.twitter.com/2JDZXBSuYo

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 5, 2023

 Javier Mascherano also emphasized that criticizing Lionel Messi is pointless, as he believes that no one can match the professionalism and commitment that the forward brings to the game.

“If there is something that cannot be criticized, it’s his professionalism: it’s hard to find someone with his professionalism even though he’s possibly the best player in history. It’s impossible to criticize him.”

Mascherano added: 

“Let him go where he’s happy and with his family. If it’s here, great: see him Every weekend it would be a great goal. Otherwise, we will continue watching it on TV as we have been doing for almost 20 years.”