“I spoke with him on Tuesday to find out his mentality, and I found him very determined to play. He will start on Saturday,” Galtier said at a press conference on Friday.
The Argentine star returned to training on Monday after being suspended for traveling to Saudi Arabia without the club’s permission, and missing a training session as a result.
And French media reported that Messi was suspended for two weeks after the visit, despite being supposed to train with the team in the aftermath of the 3-1 loss to Lorient in the French League last April.
Messi apologized to Saint-Germain and his teammates on Friday and was absent from the squad in the 3-1 win over Troyes two days later.
Saint-Germain is in the lead, 6 points ahead of Lens, and 8 points ahead of Olympique de Marseille, its closest pursuer, 4 stages into the season.
Messi’s future
• Mystery has shrouded Messi’s future recently, and a source close to the world champion has told Reuters he has received an official offer to join Saudi Arabia’s Hilal next season.
• Galtier said Messi’s aim was to win the French League, adding he was very keen to win the title.
• The coach continued: “In his presence, we have to adapt to what we did against Troyes. Leo remains Leo. I won’t talk about statistics, but when he is with us, we have to play with another balance.
Saint-Germain’s season hasn’t lived up to expectations, having been knocked out early in the Champions League and Coupe de France.
And Lens could close the gap to 3 points at the top, if they beat guest Stade Reims later on Friday.
Note that Saint-Germain have lost 3 of their last 4 home games.
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