PARIS — Lionel Messi will start Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 home game against AC Ajaccio on Saturday after returning to training following a club-imposed suspension, coach Christophe Galtier said on Friday.
"I spoke with him on Tuesday to see what his mindset was and I found him very determined to play... He will start tomorrow," Galtier told a press conference.
Messi was back in training on Monday after being suspended for making an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia and missing a training session as a result.
French media reported that Messi was suspended for two weeks after making the trip when he was supposed to train with the squad the day after the Ligue 1 leaders' 3-1 defeat to Lorient last month.
Messi apologized to PSG and his teammates last Friday and was left out of the squad for their 3-1 win at second-bottom Troyes two days later.
The squad to face AC Ajaccio at the Parc des Princes#PSGACA I #Ligue1
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 12, 2023
Christophe Galtier: “Leo Messi will start tomorrow. He was training at very good level, his attitude was perfect”. #PSG
The suspension has been removed on Monday — after Leo’s statement last Friday. pic.twitter.com/M5QEKvroH0— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 12, 2023
PSG are six points clear of Lens and eight in front of third-placed Olympique de Marseille with four games remaining this season.
Messi's future at PSG has been the subject of much speculation recently, with a source close to the Argentina captain telling Reuters that he had received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season.
No changes on Leo Messi situation. The decision will be made at the end of the season. #Messi
Al Hilal bid, on the table since April while Barça keep insisting to find a way with Financial Fair Play. https://t.co/FdifxWqwX4— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 9, 2023
The player's focus is on winning the French title, however, Galtier said.
"He's very eager to win that title," the coach said.
"With him in the team we'll have to adjust compared to what we did against Troyes. Leo is Leo. I'm not going to go into statistics but when he's with us we have to strike a different balance."
PSG's season has been well below expectations, having suffered early eliminations in the Champions League and the French Cup.
Lens will move provisionally three points behind PSG if they beat Stade de Reims at home later on Friday.
PSG have lost three of their last four home games.
(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Toby Davis)
