Lionel Messi sidelined for PSG's Champions League game against Benfica
- Heinrich Griessel
- 11 October 2022
Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi will miss the Champions League clash with Benfica as he is not fully recovered from a calf injury.
The Barcelona legend picked up the problem against the Portuguese outfit in Lisbon last week, and he isn't quite ready to start the Group H fixture in Paris.
PSG manager Christophe Galtier confirmed that the Argentine will remain sidelined. He did, however, add that Messi should be fit in time to face Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday.
"Leo felt a problem in his calf during the first game with Benfica," Galtier told the media.
"We all thought he was going to be able to play in the second game, but it's not quite there. There's only six days between the two.
"He's a lot better, but he still has that feeling that could be problematic in a game of this importance, and he preferred to sit it out.
"We're going to see how it progresses during the week, and it's very probable that he's available for Marseille."
Messi has been in fine form for the French giants this season, scoring eight goals and providing as many assists in his 13 appearances across all competitions.
The 35-year-old also scored in the 1-1 draw with Benfica last week, before being substituted in the 81st minute due to the calf niggle.
