Galtier admits Lionel Messi's future at PSG is uncertain
Messi left Barcelona and joined PSG as a free agent in the summer of 2021. The South American superstar will be out of contract at the end of the season, and PSG wants to extend his contract.
Proving he can still perform at a top level with 35 goal involvements so far this season, Lionel Messi's contract negotiations with PSG have reportedly stalled as he has been linked with a move to Barcelona or MLS.
Acknowledging the Argentine’s future at Ligue 1 is uncertain, Christophe Galtier praised Messi for his attitude.
"I
know that Leo Messi and the board have been in talks,"
Galtier said at a press conference on Friday.
"At the moment I am staying focused on the team and the upcoming matches.
"As for whether Leo Messi will be here next season or not, I have said that it is about desire. I know people are discussing it but Leo Messi is happy in the dressing room.
"He has 18 goals and 17 assists this season. I know there was some criticism about the [Champions League] game against Bayern Munich, but he wasn't the only one.
"He is able to be decisive, and he has often done so this season. He is among the best assist providers and he scores goals. Given his conduct in the dressing room every day, given his age, he still trains every day and is always happy to play and get his team-mates playing.
"As for his future, it is too early to know what will happen."
Following Hugo Lloris' retirement from France, head coach Didier Deschamps revealed Kylian Mbappe is a candidate to replace him as the captain. Asked whether the French striker will be in consideration to be PSG's captain in future, Galtier said: "
I don't know about that.
"Kylian Mbappe has worn the armband in recent weeks [in the absence of the injured Marquinhos]. It is his sixth season here. He is one of our vice-captains. He wears the armband naturally but other players can do so too."
Sitting 10 points clear at top of the Ligue 1 table, PSG will host Rennes on Sunday. Galtier believes his team will stay focused to ensure they will win the title.
"It is not about motivation, it is about objectives," he said. "We are not champions yet. We have a 10-point lead, that's true, but the next four games plus internationals, we have Rennes on Sunday, Nice and Lens, they are teams fighting to get into Europe.
"Our squad is struggling at the moment in terms of injuries. If we think the job is done, that would be a big mistake.
"Do I need to find extra motivation for my players? No. We know we haven't won the league yet and things can change quickly, so we should get wins under our belt... the only motivation we have is to become champions for an 11th time."
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