"Come out!"

Former England pro “condemns” Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has come under fire for his silence.(Bild: AP/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Although he was not directly involved in the racist chants after Argentina won the Copa final, Lionel Messi was nevertheless criticized for his subsequent silence. Carlton Cole demands: "He must speak out!"

Background: FIFA launched an investigation after Argentina's national team players made racist comments about the French team. A video circulating on social media shows players from the "Albiceleste" singing derogatory songs. The French Football Federation (FFF) described the action as "racist and discriminatory".

No statement
Although it was Enzo Fernandez who recorded the video, fans have been calling on Messi to comment on the incident. So far, however, without success ...

Carlton Cole (r.) played for Chelsea and West Ham, among others, during his career.(Bild: AFP)

Cole, a former England team player, is also expecting a statement from the eight-time world footballer. "Argentina have someone who is known as probably the best footballer ever to grace the beautiful game - Lionel Messi. We've had a look at Messi. And I say, Messi come out! We need to hear you. I need to hear you. You need to speak up," the 40-year-old demanded. 

"He doesn't seem to care"
"It's about more than Enzo. Messi is the most important man there. He's the captain. He has to say something about this behavior." Otherwise, it looks like he doesn't care. "He doesn't seem to care how I feel, how some of his black former teammates feel," Cole continued. "That just shows me that he's selfish. He needs to speak up. I disapprove of that. Quite simply. I condemn Messi."