Karim Benzema slammed for praising Lionel Messi by ex-PSG star who says Barcelona legend is shadow of his former self

KARIM BENZEMA has found himself in hot water after sticking up for the struggling Lionel Messi.

The Real Madrid striker spoke out after criticism of Ballon d’Or winner Messi’s performances for new club Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi moved to the Parc des Princes after a trophy-laden spell at Barcelona that saw him recognised as one of the greatest players in history.

Goals have been harder to come by since his switch to the French capital, but Benzema blasted the doubters as ‘knowing nothing about football’.

But PSG legend Jerome Rothen has taken Benzema to task, telling RMC Sport: “When he talks like that it's because he hasn't seen the PSG games, it's not possible.

“Because if he did, he would be at least a little critical. Yes, this is not the Messi we know who came to PSG. That's why the criticism is constructive, they are not always negative.

“It’s not to say that, when Messi is not at his best, we are people who do not know anything about football, I'm sorry."

Messi has found the net just six times in his PSG career so far - just ONE of those coming in Ligue 1.

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Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher came under fire from the man himself for leaving him out of his World XI last week.

And Rothen was determined to stick up for fellow critics of the 34-year-old Messi’s efforts this season.

He added: "Feeling accused by Benzema of not knowing anything about football - when you have 16-17 years of career at the highest level, that you have been playing football since you were five years old, that at the end of my career I became an advisor because I love football and it's my passion…

“Sorry Karim but there you go a bit too far".

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