Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Benfica on Tuesday due to injury.
The two sides meet at the Parc des Princes in Group H this week, six days after their 1-1 draw in Lisbon, which left them tied at the top of the standings on seven points each.
Messi scored PSG’s goal in that match, looping it into the top corner to set a new competition record and make history by becoming the first player to score in the Champions League against 40 different clubs.
However, the 35-year-old suffered a calf injury near the end of the match in Portugal, forcing him off and ruling him out of the weekend draw with Reims.
The injury is not considered serious, but Messi will miss Tuesday’s game against Benfica as a result of it.
“Nursing a calf niggle, Lionel Messi will not make the game against Benfica,” the club said in a statement.
Messi’s absence corresponded with PSG failing to score in a Ligue 1 game for the first time this season, as they drew 0-0 with Reims.
So far this season, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been in spectacular form for the French giants, scoring eight goals and creating eight more in 13 appearances across all competitions.
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PSG are aiming to win the Champions League for the first time in their history this season, while Messi is looking for a fifth title after winning it four times with Barcelona.
With his current contract set to expire at the end of the season, speculation about the Argentine’s long-term future in Paris has resurfaced.
As per reports, he has no plans to stay at PSG and is considering a sensational return to Barcelona.
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