PSG vs AC Ajaccio
Ligue 1
Saturday
13th May 2023
Parc des Princes
Christophe Galtier spoke out on Friday afternoon about Lionel Messi’s return to Paris Saint-Germain. The coach confirms that Messi will return to the base after his much-discussed trip to Saudi Arabia.
PSG comes back on suspension and promises Messi starting place
Messi made an unauthorized trip to the Middle East just under two weeks ago. Due to an agreement in his contract as tourism ambassador of Saudi Arabia, he had to visit the country. Initially that seemed to be fine, because a day off was planned for the selection of the Parisians. However, after the debacle at home against Lorient (1-3 defeat), coach Galtier withdrew that day off. However, Messi was not interested in that.
When the Argentinian was missing from training and was spotted on the other side of the world, PSG was furious, according to French media. The club imposed a two-week suspension on Messi. When the world champion then apologized extensively in a special video on social media, the cold was already somewhat out of the air. On Tuesday, the day after the missed duel with Troyes, he made his comeback on the training field.
“Obviously I spoke directly with Leo when he got back,” Galtier said during his press conference on Friday. “I wanted to know how he is in it. I noticed that he is very calm. He is highly motivated to play and determined to win a new prize. He will therefore start tomorrow,” Galtier assures about the duel with Ajaccio, for which Messi was originally suspended.
PSG can take a giant step towards the eleventh national title in club history against number eighteen Ajaccio at home. The lead on pursuer Olympique Marseille is six points with four rounds to go. Marseille will play Angers at home on Sunday.
Tevez stands up for Messi: “PSG must say sorry”
Carlos Tevez is not pleased with the way Paris Saint-Germain is dealing with Lionel Messi. The club was angry after the star player planned a trip to Saudi Arabia and handed out a two-week suspension.
Messi made an unauthorized trip to the Middle East just under two weeks ago, Initially that seemed to be fine, because a day off was planned for the selection of the Parisians. However, after the debacle at home against Lorient (1-3 defeat), coach Christophe Galtier withdrew that day off. However, Messi was not interested in that.
In the end, Messi apologized, but if it had been up to Tevez, it would not have been necessary. “If they told me as a world champion to apologize for traveling on a day off, I would return to Argentina and have a nice drink there. The club should say “sorry” to Messi. He puts the club first. You must take your hat off to him,” he said.
