KEY POINTS

  • Lionel Messi netted 11 goals last season for PSG
  • PSG started their 2022-23 Ligue 1 campaign with a 5-0 win
  • Out of those 5 goals, Messi scored 2

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) boss Christophe Galtier has hailed Lionel Messi, saying he is an inspiration to the other players and everyone in the team loves the Argentinean.

Galtier, who recently replaced Mauricio Pochettino as PSG's boss, previously managed against Messi, having led Nice last season, but he now works with the former Barcelona captain and has lauded Messi's impact at PSG.

"I can not be surprised [by how good he is] because when you have such a record, such a number of matches, such trophies, it is because you are a very great professional. He has confirmed it [right away for me]. Leo does all the training sessions, he is involved, he is smiling, he exchanges with his partners," Galtier said ahead of PSG's clash with Montpellier HSC, according to Goal.com.

Galtier has also said that he enjoys every moment to watch Messi on the field.

"He is an inspiration for our players and I enjoy every moment to see him on the field, to say hello to him every day because he represents the example to follow. He has won everything, he just missed the World Cup but at club level, he has won everything," added Galtier in the same interview.

Fans in Japan will get a chance to see Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar when PSG play three games later this month against J-League clubs
Fans in Japan will get a chance to see Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar when PSG play three games later this month against J-League clubs AFP / FRANCK FIFE

PSG started their 2022-23 Ligue 1 campaign with a 5-0 win over Clermont Foot, where Messi netted a brace.

"He [Messi] has won individual awards but he is not satisfied, far from it. I think he is happy and when Leo smiles, the team smiles. He is loved and admired by his peers," said Galtier.

Messi parted ways with his boyhood club Barcelona in the summer of 2021 and joined PSG on a free transfer. Messi did not have the best of the starts in Paris as he finished his maiden campaign with just 11 goals in 34 competitive games. He also provided 15 assists in all competitions.

Galtier has the likes of Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe in his attack at PSG. However, the French coach is looking to add another striker before the end of the 2022 summer window and the "club is working very hard" to fulfill his wish.

"Yes, we wish the arrival of a new striker. I repeat again, with a very busy calendar until November 13, plus the World Cup, obviously we wish this arrival. I repeat again that I am in direct contact with Luis Campos [PSG's football advisor] on this and that he is in direct contact with the management and our president," Galtier said, according to Sky Sports.

Lionel Messi