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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Lionel Messi update offered as PSG boss loses his cool at Kylian Mbappe probe

Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier lost his cool in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon after being asked about Kylian Mbappe's future.

Mbappe, 23, reportedly wants to leave PSG in January - just five months after signing a new three-year contract. "For now, a second World Cup," the France international recently said when quizzed on his alleged transfer request. "After that, I don't know."

Galtier was not interested in discussing Mbappe's future, but he did prepare an update on Lionel Messi's fitness ahead of their huge home game against rivals Marseille on Sunday evening. PSG are currently top of Ligue 1, three points ahead of Marseille in third.

Messi has been in good form for PSG this season, scoring eight goals and providing as many assists. A calf injury saw him miss the recent draws against Benfica and Stade Reims, yet Galtier told reporters: "Leo trained this morning, normally with the group.

"He did the whole session and then we will wait to see how he reacts to the session. And tomorrow morning, we will wait to see how he reacts to the session tomorrow. But at the moment I'm talking to you: yes, [I can count on Messi]."

When quizzed on Mbappe's future, Galtier referenced the player's goal in the 1-1 Champions League draw on Tuesday evening, which saw him named as UEFA's Player of the Match. Reports of Mbappe's desire to leave PSG first emerged earlier that day.

As usual, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi are dominating the headlines in Paris (Getty Images)

Do you think Kylian Mbappe will leave Paris Saint-Germain in the January transfer window? Let us know in the comments below!

Galtier said: "There was a rumour that came out the afternoon of a game. Kylian has an answer, the most beautiful answer. In a match that was not of a very high level, I think he was elected man of the match, he was performing well, generous for the team and very supportive.

"Have I spoken with him about the rumour? No! I saw Kylian very invested in the preparation for the game against Benfica, in the recovery and the preparation for the game against Marseille. That's all there is to it. I repeat again, I am very happy to be the coach of these players, of this team, but still: write it down and let's talk soccer.

"I have players who since the Champions League match have immersed themselves very quickly in the preparation of the match against OM [Marseille], which is a f****** high point! It's the match that everyone is waiting for in the French championship."

Galtier succeeded Mauricio Pochettino at PSG in the summer and has been tasked with retaining the Ligue 1 title and winning the Champions League for the first time in the club's history. The latter target is undoubtedly the most important.

PSG have dominated French football since Qatar Sports Investments - a subsidiary of Qatar's state-run sovereign-wealth fund - purchased the club in 2011. They have won eight of the last 10 Ligue 1 titles, but they are yet to lift the European Cup.

Galtier's team are striving to assert their dominance in France and Europe this season. They're just one point clear of Lorient in second in Ligue 1 and are battling to top their Champions League group ahead of Benfica, as the two teams are currently level on points.

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