Following a string of bad results in their return from the World Cup break, PSG got back on track. With key contribution from Lionel Messi, the reigning Ligue 1 champions took distance in the top spot of the standings.
After 22 rounds of play, Paris Saint-Germain are atop the table with 54 points, eight above Olympique Marseille and Lens – who were just three points behind PSG a couple of weeks ago.
However, there’s still a long way to go for the Parisians. That’s why the upcoming game against Monaco on the road is a must win. Christophe Galtier will have to overcome a key absence, though, as Messi won’t be part of the matchday squad.
Why is Messi not playing against Monaco
Lionel Messi was ruled out of PSG’s away game at Monaco due to a hamstring injury he picked up in the Marseille loss at the French Cup on Wednesday. The Argentine is undergoing treatment to rejoin team practice on Monday, the club said in a statement.
All eyes will be on Messi’s recovery since PSG return to UEFA Champions League action on Tuesday, when they host Bayern in the first leg of the round of 16 tie. Needless to say, everyone at PSG is hoping Messi makes it on time for that crucial fixture.
Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.
