Lionel Messi injury: PSG forward to miss Metz encounter ahead of Man City clash

PSG face Pep Guardiola’s side in the Champions League next Tuesday

Harry Latham-Coyle
Tuesday 21 September 2021 13:54 BST
Comments
Lionel Messi has been ruled out of PSG’s trip to Metz
Lionel Messi has been ruled out of PSG’s trip to Metz (AFP via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Lionel Messi will miss Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 encounter with Metz after suffering a knee injury.

The Argentine star was taken off during the second half of PSG’s win against Lyon on Sunday.

PSG are due to meet Manchester City in a marquee Champions League Group A clash next Tuesday, 28 September.

“Lionel Messi, following a knock received on his left knee, had an MRI this morning which confirms the signs a bone bruise,” said a statement from the French club.

“A new scan will be performed in 48 hours.”

PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino had been criticised for his decision to take off Messi with his side needing a goal.

Messi appeared to display his displeasure at the decision as he made his way off despite clutching his knee and flexing his leg on a number of occasions during the 2-1 victory.

“I took the decision to take Leo off to protect him for possible injuries,” Pochettino explained.

“We have important games coming up and we want to protect him.

“These are decisions that we make for the good of the team. Sometimes the players agree and sometimes they don’t. Afterwards, Messi told me he was fine with the decision.”

PSG drew their opening Champions League group game against Club Brugge, while Manchester City began with an entertaining 6-3 win over RB Leipzig.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in