Rafael Van Der Vaart Says Lionel Messi Should Be Ashamed Of PSG Performances

Lionel Messi's effort has been questioned by former Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart, who claims the PSG forward should be 'ashamed' of his performances.

Messi has not found life all too easy since moving from Barcelona to Paris in the summer, and, despite PSG topping the Ligue 1 table, he's come in for some criticism.

On Wednesday night, one of his biggest contributions to the French side's Champions League loss to Manchester City was a brilliant, but generally irrelevant, nutmeg on Raheem Sterling in the first half.

His contribution, along with that of Neymar and goalscorer Kylian Mbappe, was questioned after the game over whether the trio together could lead the team to European glory.

Now Messi has been singled out for his desire to work hard for the team, with Van der Vaart claiming the six time Ballon d'Or winner should be ashamed.

"He goes for a walk now and then and I think, ‘Aren’t you ashamed?’" the former midfielder said on Dutch tv channel Ziggo Sports.

"I’m starting to get angry with Messi and that’s a shame because a player like that will never be born again.

"It started under Ronald Koeman [at Barcelona]. It was actually a refusal to work and that’s not right for a player like Messi."

Messi didn't have a good game on Wednesday. Image: PA Images

Messi has scored three in four Champions League games but didn't manage to bag a goal on Wednesday night, although he did set up Mbappe for their goal.

Van der Vaart also thinks that without being involved in goals then the six time Ballon d'Or winner doesn't actually contribute to the game, but his fellow forwards still can.

"It’s a question of will. Either you want it or not," the former Real Madrid midfielder added.

"If he doesn’t score or provide an assist, then he’s made a bad game. Neymar is different, he sees more (on the pitch). Mbappe too.

"Somehow, it fits not at all about Messi and Paris."

Mbappe and Neymar also came in for criticism following Wednesday's loss. Image: PA Images

Van der Vaart certainly isn't short of criticism for players at the moment, with the Dutchman ripping into Harry Maguire for his performances, earlier this week.

The former Tottenham Hotspur player called the Manchester United defender 'really s**t' and questioned why the club paid so much for him, something fans of the club can probably relate too.