Lionel Messi’s reason to not play against Lorient on Sunday (Nov. 6th)

In a press conference on Saturday, Galtier denied that Messi asked him to not play for PSG. “No player asked me not to play before the World Cup. It is not in the mentality of these great champions,” he said.

However, he also added that the team “will be alert to their state of form” or any “muscular distress.” And that’s the case for Messi, who will lose the game against Lorient due to an “inflamed Achilles tendon,” according to the PSG’s medical report.

The team specified that it was a “precautionary measure” and that “he will resume training next week.” Gaultier also spoke about Messi’s absence, saying that he thinks “he will be ready for the next game, just like Kimpembe.” 

The coach also added that “To replace him, Hugo Ekitike and Pablo Sarabia are possibilities. Neymar can also take Messi’s place. It could be Hugo or Pablo Sarabia.” Regarding the players who are worried about missing the World Cup, he said that he tells them “that you have to play hard, without restrictions. It is the best way to prepare.”