Lionel Messi forfeit against Leipzig

Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi is forfeited for the return leg of the Champions League against German club RB Leipzig on Wednesday 3 November. The Argentinian is indeed feeling hamstring discomfort in his left thigh as well as knee pain, his club announced on Tuesday.

Facing Lille on Friday, the player, who had been in pain for several days, was replaced as a precaution at half-time. After the meeting, his coach Mauricio Pochettino felt that his player “was going to be available for Leipzig.” This is not the case.

The Parisian group for #RBLPSG !

@ChampionsLeague

– Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) November 2, 2021

Since arriving in Paris, the South American No. 30 has played 8 games, while his team will play their 15th game against the Germans on Wednesday. This is the third meeting the 34-year-old has missed due to injury, after a bone bruise on his left knee deprived him of two league games at the end of September. Messi will then have to do two matches with the Argentina team as part of the qualifications for the 2022 World Cup, in Uruguay and against Brazil.

On the other hand, striker Kylian Mbappé, absent Friday against Lille in Ligue 1 (2-1) due to an ENT infection, however finds the group of 21 players summoned.