Paris Saint-Germain boss Christophe Galtier has revealed that Lionel Messi will return to the club in early January following his exertions at the 2022 World Cup.
Messi played a starring role in Argentina's success at the recent international competition, scoring seven goals and registering three assists in seven appearances.
The 35-year-old scored twice in the final against France, while he also found the back of the net in the shootout, with Argentina lifting the trophy after overcoming the European side on penalties.
Players involved in the final of the competition have started to filter back to their clubs, but Galtier has revealed that Messi will be missing for the team's next two matches.
PSG will be back in Ligue 1 action against Strasbourg on December 28 before taking on Lens on January 1, but the Argentine will not be involved in either contest.
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"Leo [Messi] also had a very big World Cup," Galtier told reporters.
"Due to his victory and the celebrations in Argentina, we decided that he was going to cut until January 1. He will join us on the 2nd or 3rd to resume competition with us."
Messi's next appearance for PSG could therefore come against Chateauroux in the Coupe de France on January 6, although it seems more likely that he will return against Angers on January 11.
The former Barcelona forward has been in strong form for the French champions during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 12 goals and registering 14 assists in 19 appearances in all competitions.
Messi has seven goals and 10 assists in 13 Ligue 1 outings this term, while he managed four goals and four assists in five outings in the group stage of the Champions League.
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There remains speculation surrounding his future in Paris, as his current deal is due to expire next June.
Barcelona are believed to be keen to re-sign the forward, while Inter Miami are said to be interested in bringing him to the MLS.
However, it is understood that Messi is preparing to sign a new contract with PSG, having now fully settled at the club since arriving on a two-year contract in the summer of 2021.
The South American has scored 23 goals and registered 29 assists in 53 appearances for the capital giants in all competitions, including 13 goals and 25 assists in 39 Ligue 1 outings.
PSG have picked up 41 points from their 15 league matches this season, which has left them top of the table, five points ahead of second-placed Lens.
Matt Law
