Lionel Messi sets new goal for Paris Saint-Germain return

Friday, September 24, 2021 at 4:24 PM• Dominic Mostert

Lionel Messi misses another league match against Paris Saint-Germain. The attacker was missing on Wednesday in the won away match against FC Metz (1-2) and must also miss Saturday evening’s home game against Montpellier, PSG announced. His situation will be reviewed on Sunday. Messi’s new target is Tuesday night’s Champions League match against Manchester City.

Messi was left with a bone bruise after Sunday’s won home game against Olympique Lyon (2-1). The 34-year-old attacker was replaced by Mauricio Pochettino fifteen minutes before the end and was visibly dissatisfied with it. Messi refused the outstretched hand of his compatriot and looked at him with a doubtful look. Although Messi was visibly frustrated with his substitution, he was already injured at the time. The duel with Metz came too early and he will also be missing at home against Montpellier.

“We saw during the game that he grabbed his knee,” Pochettino said on Tuesday at the press conference before the game against Metz. “That’s why we made this choice. We were happy with his performance. He didn’t score, but he played well. I understand the fuss and accept it, but the players and their health are my number one priority. We thought it was the best decision to take him out. Of course, great players always want to be on the pitch.”

Messi’s adventure in Paris has not yet turned out to be a great success. The Argentine star is still waiting for his first goal in the service of his new employer. Messi hit the crossbar against Olympique Lyon from a free kick. He is not the only player to be absent against Montpellier, as Marco Verratti, Sergio Ramos, Layvin Kurzawa, Colin Dagba and Juan Bernat have also been out of circulation for some time. PSG have started the new Ligue 1 season despite staffing problems with seven wins from as many games.


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