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Lionel Messi is expected to start when Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) travel to face Auxerre in Ligue 1 on Sunday (May 21). The Parisians will look to take a giant leap towards retaining their league title by taking three points on the road.
Christophe Galter's side are coming off a convincing 5-0 victory over Ajaccio last time around, but Messi didn't have a goal contribution. It was also his first game after he was suspended for the Troyes clash due to his unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.
Lionel Messi, though, has had a great 2022-23 season and should start against Auxerre on Sunday. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner could be partnered alongside Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike, like in the game against Ajaccio. Since Neymar's injury, PSG have been playing two up top with Messi and Mbappe, before reverting to a front three last time around.
PSG's squad for their game against Auxerre can be seen below:
The Parisians are closing in on yet another Ligue 1 title this season. They're atop the standings, having amassed 81 points from 35 games. They're six points clear of second-placed Lens with three games remaining. This means that Lens need to win against Lorient on Sunday to deny the Parisians from clinching their 11th title.
Auxerre, meanwhile, are languishing in 16th place in the standings. They have picked up 34 points from 35 games and are on a four-game winless run in the league.
It's worth mentioning that PSG secured a comfortable 5-0 win over Auxerre earlier this season. Messi, though, had a rare outing, failing to make a goal contribution. Mbappe, Carlos Soler, Achraf Hakimi, Ekitike and Renato Sanches were the scorers.
Lionel Messi has had a great time in what could be his last season for PSG
Lionel Messi arrived at PSG on a free transfer from Barcelona in 2021, penning a two-year contract, which ends this summer. The Argentina superstar, though, would bow out on a high should he not stay at the Parc des Princes beyond this campaign.
Messi has 20 goals and 19 assists in 38 games across competitions this term. That includes 15 goals and as many assists in 29 league games.
