“We do it on a case by case basis” – Galtier confirms when Lionel Messi will return to play for PSG
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Christophe Galtier revealed Lionel Messi will return to the team in the new year. The Argentinian is currently in his home country after winning the FIFA World Cup and is expected to return from the Ligue 1 match against Lens in early 2023.
Messi has been in Qatar for the FIFA World Cup over the past few weeks, where he won the tournament by defeating club teammate Kylian Mbappe of France in the final. While the Frenchman has returned to training, the former Barcelona star is celebrating victory in his homeland.
Speaking at the press conference before PSGAfter the match against Strasbourg on Wednesday, Galtier confirmed that Messi has another 10-11 days before he returns to the team.
I said:
“We did it on a case-by-case basis, there were players who were eliminated very early, who had ten or twelve days and all came back on time. Those who went further like Hakimi, who has made a huge step forward I’m thinking of Kylian (Mbappé) and Leo (Messi.) Hakimi and Kylian want to quickly get back on the team with us.”
Continuing to talk about the Argentinian player, he admitted that the striker was given a break until January 1, 2023. He said:
“Leo (Lionel Messi) due to his geographical location and his victory, he will join us at the beginning of the year in ten, eleven days. We will reintegrate as we go. The idea is that everyone will stay in touch for the duration of the World Cup.Due to his win, the celebration in Argentina, we decided that he will be out of action until January 1st. He will participate. Join us on the 2nd or 3rd to continue playing with us.”
🎙 Christophe Galtier : « Achraf et Kylian ont eu la volonté de revenir avec nous rapidement, ils sont bien Physical etmentement. Il faudra trouver les bonnes périodes pour qu’ils puissent décompresser” #PSGRCSA I #PSGLive https://t.co/i54yzk7mS4
Lionel Messi’s teammate Kylian Mbappe returns to training at PSG
Lionel Messi’s Club Teammate Kylian Mbappe was keen to leave the FIFA World Cup pain behind and return to training with PSG less than 72 hours after the final, in which he scored a hat-trick before watching his side lose. 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
Speaking of Mbappe, Christophe Galtier said:
“I am very happy to see him again. Kylian had a great World Cup. This return is also a strong signal to everyone. He wants to get back in touch with the team quickly and prepare. for the fast approaching deadline. We’re very, very happy to see him.”
Lionel Messi has scored seven goals in Ligue 1 this season – one more than last season, while Mbappe is PSG’s top scorer with 12.
