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Lionel Messi has been named in Paris Saint-Germain's squad that will travel to Lisbon to face SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League on 5 October. The Parisian giants will be looking to make it three wins in a row in the ongoing group stage.
PSG's last group stage match was against Maccabi Haifa, which they won 3-1. Lionel Messi scored a goal and provided an assist that night (14 September).
Messi has been in excellent form across all competitions and most expect him to start against Benfica. The Argentine could once again be partnered alongside Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr. in attack.
The former Barcelona skipper has been deployed in a slightly deeper role by manager Christophe Galtier this season. The same tactic could be used against Benfica as well.
As seen in their official tweet regarding team news, Messi has been named in the PSG squad which will travel to Portugal.
Lionel Messi is having an excellent second season in the French capital following a disappointing debut season at the Parc des Princes.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has seven goals and eight assists from 12 games across all competitions this season. Messi scored a brilliant goal directly from a free kick against OGC Nice in their last game in Ligue 1 at the weekend.
PSG are currently level on six points with Benfica in Group H of the UEFA Champions League, but ahead by virtue of goals scored.
PSG forward Lionel Messi is yet to score against Benfica
Following his goal against Maccabi Haifa, Lionel Messi became the first player in UEFA Champions League history to score against 39 different opponents. A goal against Benfica will see him extend his record to 40 teams.
Messi has faced the Portuguese giants on just two occasions during the 2012-13 version of the competition. The Argentine skipper is yet to score a goal against Benfica in his illustrious career. He did, however, register two assists against the Portuguese giants in the away game.
