Galtier confirms Messi injury: Is fear of missing the World Cup starting to take its toll?

An unusual moment took place in Lisbon on Wednesday as Lionel Messi asked to be replaced with 10 minutes to go when the score in the game against Benfica was at 1-1 and Paris Saint-Germain were pushing for a winner.

From that point on, there has been concern about Messi's fitness. On Friday, both the club and coach Christophe Galtier confirmed that the Argentina captain will miss out on the game away at Reims on Saturday.

Messi: "For sure this will be my last World Cup"

"Messi will not be at this matchday's game, but, if all goes well, he will return to training on Sunday morning," the PSG coach said in the pre-match press conference.

PSG's medical report

The Ligue 1 reigning champions issued a medical report on Friday to reveal that Messi will not be at Galtier's disposal for Saturday's duel due to a calf strain.

"After coming off on Wednesday with a slight calf strain, Messi underwent treatment after reassuring medical examinations," read the statement published on the club's official website.

"An assessment of his progress will be made on Sunday."

Messi seems to have rediscovered his form at PSG. He has has scored five goals and registered seven assists in Ligue 1, having netted twice and managed one assist in the Champions League.

However, with his last World Cup just around the corner, the No.10 doesn't want to take any risks. It remains to be seen how much he'll play and how much he'll rest between now and the start of the tournament.

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