Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi has been ruled out of his side's Champions League clash with Benfica on Tuesday due to injury.
The two sides face off at the Parc des Princes in Group H this week, six days on from their 1-1 draw in Lisbon which left them level on seven points apiece at the top of the standings.
Messi scored PSG's goal in that game, curling into the top corner to set a new competition record by becoming the first player to score against 40 different clubs in the Champions League.
However, the 35-year-old picked up a calf problem towards the end of that match in Portugal, forcing him off and subsequently ruling him out of the weekend draw with Reims.
The injury is not thought to be too serious, but Messi will again be absent for Tuesday's contest against Benfica as a result of the issue.
© Reuters
Messi's absence on Saturday coincided with PSG failing to score in a Ligue 1 game for the first time this season, as they played out a goalless draw with Reims.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has been in prolific form for the French giants so far in 2022-23, scoring eight goals and creating eight more in 13 appearances across all competitions.
PSG are bidding to win the Champions League for the first time in their history this season, while Messi is gunning for a fifth title having lifted the trophy four times with Barcelona.
Speculation has once again been growing regarding the Argentine's long-term future in the French capital, with his current contract due to expire at the end of this season.
Reports have suggested that he has no intention of extending his stay at PSG, with a sensational return to Barcelona being mooted.
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