The former Real Madrid footballer who accused Lionel Messi of racism

Former Real Madrid player Royston Drenthe has made a controversial accusation against Lionel Messi, claiming that the Argentine star racially insulted him during a match between Hercules and Barcelona. In his statements, Drenthe explains how Messi allegedly called him a "black s**t", a phrase that, according to him, was used habitually among Argentine players, even between themselves. This accusation has shaken the football world, particularly because of Messi's high profile, as he is regarded as one of the greatest players in history.

Drenthe's Racism Accusation

The incident, according to Drenthe himself, occurred during a match between Hercules and Barcelona. The former Dutch footballer claimed that Messi called him "black st" during the game and also explained that it was common for Argentine players to use such terms with each other. "He told me that Argentine players called each other black st, it was something normal for them," Drenthe commented in a recent interview. Although he acknowledged that Messi said it casually, Drenthe expressed that, for him, such comments were unacceptable, especially coming from an opponent.

The former Real Madrid player explained that while this type of comment might be common in the context of Argentine footballers, he found it deeply offensive, as he was not accustomed to being addressed in such a manner by an opponent. Despite the seriousness of the accusation, Drenthe clarified that they never spoke about the incident again. Time passed, and according to him, the matter was put behind them.

Drenthe Speaks of Respect Towards Messi

Despite the seriousness of his accusation, Royston Drenthe made it clear that, overall, he has great respect for Lionel Messi as a footballer. He acknowledged that Messi has been one of the best players in the world and that his legacy in football is indisputable. Drenthe, like many other players, does not hesitate to highlight Messi's footballing qualities, but the controversy surrounding the racial incident highlights a lesser-known side of the Argentine star.

"I have a lot of respect for him because he has been one of the best players in the world," Drenthe said, emphasising that his criticism was not related to Messi's footballing abilities, but rather to a specific situation he experienced on the pitch. In his words, it seems clear that Drenthe differentiates Messi's professional figure from what happened in that particular episode.

The Context of the Accusation: An Isolated Case?

Drenthe's accusation is not the first time inappropriate conduct by football players towards their opponents has been mentioned. On several occasions, cases of racism in football have come to light, both on and off the pitch, and the fight against racism remains one of the most pressing issues in the sport. However, this testimony from Drenthe is unique due to the profile of the player involved and Messi's figure, who up until now has maintained an impeccable image in terms of his behaviour off the pitch.

Although Drenthe's accusation has not been confirmed by Messi, the incident opens up a debate about the standards and respect among footballers, especially in a sport where emotions run high and rivalries are often taken to extremes. It is essential for elite players like Messi to be aware of the impact of their words, both on and off the field, and to be encouraged to foster a culture of respect and inclusion in all aspects of the game.