Will Lionel Messi be fit to play for PSG against Bayern Munich in the Champions League?

Paris Saint-Germain don’t have their problems to seek just as the business end of the season gets going. First Kylian Mbappé was hit by fitness issues, now it’s Lionel Messi’s turn. The Argentine suffered a hamstring injury in the defeat to Marseille in the last 32 of the Coupe de France and his chances of appearing in the first leg of the Champions League round-of-16 tie against Bayern Munich appear to be hanging in the balance. AS has learned that the issue isn’t particularly serious and that he could be available, although L’Équipe have Messi down as a doubt to face the Germans.

PSG prioritising the Champions League

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has a tight hamstring but, crucially, hasn’t suffered a tear. He isn’t expected to be involved against Monaco on Saturday, with the Parisians not prepared to take any unnecessary risks given that they are eight points clear at the top of Ligue 1. Another defeat - they’ve already suffered three in 2023 - would lead to further criticism of their form ahead of some huge matches coming up, but PSG would rather Messi sit the game at Stade Louis II out to ensure he has the best chance possible of being ready for Bayern, a fixture which could make or break their season.

Will Mbappé be fit to play for PSG against Bayern?

Losing Messi would be a devastating blow for Christophe Galtier and his men. Kylian Mbappé was ruled out for three weeks because of a thigh problem, which means there is little hope of hope of him featuring against Bayern at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday. Without the France star, Messi has become the focal point of the PSG attack but was unable to help his side from slumping to a disappointing defeat to bitter rivals Marseille in the cup on Wednesday.