Lionel Messi will return and start for Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday after displaying a ‘perfect attitude’ in training, Christophe Galtier has confirmed.
The PSG manager was speaking ahead of his side’s home clash against Ajaccio this weekend, with the French champions six points clear at the summit of Ligue 1.
PSG were without their Argentine superstar in last Sunday’s 3-1 triumph over Troyes, having suspended him for visiting Saudi Arabia without their permission.
The unauthorised trip forced Messi to miss a training session with his PSG team-mates, and PSG chose to punish the player by docking his wages and issuing an initial two-week suspension.
The World Cup winner took to social media to apologise last week and since returned to training on Thursday.
PSG boss Christophe Galtier (centre) confirmed Lionel Messi (left) will start against Ajaccio
Messi – pictured with his family – was punished for taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia
The World Cup winner was first seen back in PSG training on Thursday after the club suspension was lifted – and Galtier described his attitude as ‘perfect’ following the suspension
‘Leo Messi will start tomorrow,’ Galtier confirmed during Friday’s press conference. ‘He was training at very good level, his attitude was perfect.’
Having the 35-year-old icon back sooner than expected will not only aid PSG in their defence of the Ligue 1 title, but will also provide fans with an extra opportunity to watch Messi before his anticipated departure this summer.
The Argentina legend, whose contract expires at the end of the season, was reportedly offered a monster two-year contract worth €1billion (£887m) by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal.
Barcelona have still not ruled out a fairytale reunion with their former superstar, while MLS outfit Inter Miami are also in the race.
source: dailymail.co.uk
