Lionel Messi is out of Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 clash with Montpellier on Saturday due to injury. However, the Argentine forward could figure in a Champions League meeting with Manchester City as he is running again.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner picked up a knee injury during an outing against Lyon. As a result, he had to undergo an MRI scan and sit out training. He played no part in a dramatic 2-1 win over Metz in midweek. The medical team will make further assessment of his fitness on Sunday.
PSG said in a statement on the club's official website: "Leo Messi started running again today in line with his treatment protocol.
"An update check is scheduled for Sunday."
"As you've seen in the medical update which comes out before the press conference, we are going to assess him. We hope he improves and on Sunday we will be able to give a positive update. We hope everything goes well and he will be available again.
Mauricio Pochettino at the pre-match press conference
He further added: "We hope he can play . We have to be cautious to see how he evolves in the next few days."
The all-time great made a stunning move to France over the summer after reaching the end of his contract at Barcelona and failing to push through fresh terms. Messi has taken in just three outings for PSG so far, with only one of those seeing him complete 90 minutes.
His goal account in France is yet to be opened, with a spark still being sought alongside fellow superstar frontmen Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr.
Arsenal vs PSG UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final 1st leg Highlights: PSG beat Arsenal for the first time in UCL; Dembele's goal hand them a 1-0 lead from first leg
Read the highlights of Arsenal vs PSG UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final 1st leg match as Osumane Dembele's goal gave them a 1-0 lead going into the second leg.
Hello and welcome everyone to another exiting night of European football. This is Koushik Biswas who will bring you all the latest and real-time updates of the Arsenal vs PSG UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final 1st leg match.
Both teams have looked apart from the rest and created a few records on their way to the semis. So, we can surely expect a great game as both teams look to get the early edge to reach the final.
So, sit back and relax and enjoy the coverage.
LIVE Updates
Apr 29, 2025, 7:01 PM
Final Score
Apr 29, 2025, 8:56 PM
Full time: Arsenal 0-1 PSG
PSG will head into the second leg with a 1-0 goal advantage. Dembele with the lone goal for PSG. Donnarumma was top class for them with a few big saves.
Arsenal had their chances but could not take them. They are behind but not out.
This is the first time PSG have beaten Arsenal in the Champions League.
Full time: Arsenal 0-1 PSG
PSG beat Arsenal for the first time in UEFA Champions League history.
Saka, from the right, made a quick entry in the final third. He gave it to Odegaard, who tried to find someone on the left, but his cross was deflected towards the right and Lewis-Skelly could not win the ball back for them.
Apr 29, 2025, 8:23 PM
63' | Arsenal looking to go from the flank
Arsenal are now finding it hard to go through the middle. Since Rice is not able to play as a No. 8, they are finding it tough to get the momentum going. 25 mins to go!
Apr 29, 2025, 8:20 PM
60' | Great challenge from Saliba
Hakimi was nearly a second way to make an effort from close range. But, Saliba came running from behind to make the challenge.
Apr 29, 2025, 8:16 PM
56' | Save
Big, big save from Donnarumma!
Trossard with a left-footed shot from the left of the box. He also went for the far post after Rice played a swift ball to him. But, Donnarumma was just better to make the save, diving to his left.
Lewis-Skelly found Gabriel Martinelli with a great ball. But Gabriel Martinelli could not find the right spot to beat Donnarumma.
Gabriel Martinelli went for the far post, but Donnarumma was good enough to make the save.
Apr 29, 2025, 7:47 PM
45' | It is getting heated
Another foul from PSG and they are struggling to control the game now.
Apr 29, 2025, 7:46 PM
44' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Hakimi. This time, he does not get away with this. No attempt to play the ball, and he gets the yellow.
Apr 29, 2025, 7:45 PM
43' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Saka for a foul on Mendes on the byline. Saka looks frustrated, as he appealed for a yellow card for Mendes and got the yellow card himself.
Apr 29, 2025, 7:44 PM
41' | Chance for Arsenal
Arsenal are looking great now. But Trossard's effort went straight to Donnarumma
Apr 29, 2025, 7:43 PM
39' | Chance for Arsenal
First big chance of the game for Arsenal. Saka, who had switched sides, chipped in a ball from the left.
But, even a full-stretched Gabriel Martinelli could not reach the ball.
Apr 29, 2025, 7:42 PM
38' | Save from Donnarumma
Saka tries to do a Messi there as he made a quick entry from the right and then went for a left-footed shot. It goes straight to Donnarumma.
Apr 29, 2025, 7:40 PM
37' | No penalty
Arsenal ask for a penalty as Merino is brought down by Neves inside the box.
Neves got to the ball, and it won't be a penalty.
Apr 29, 2025, 7:38 PM
36' | Lewis-Skelly wins another battle
Lewis-Skelly wins another free-kick as Neves fouls him at the edge of the box. Odegaard to take the free-kick.
Apr 29, 2025, 7:37 PM
35' | Ruiz fouls Saka
Arsenal are trying to play around PSG's midfielders. Saka has been playing a bit down and is now brought down by Ruiz.
Top-class finish from the French star. He initialised the attack and then played it wide to Kvaratskhelia. Kvaratskhelia then met Dembele with a cut-back
A top-class left-footed cross volley from Dembele gave the visitors an early lead.
Arsenal 0-1 PSF
Apr 29, 2025, 7:04 PM
Emirates is Buzzing
In seven years covering Arsenal I have never heard the Emirates like this before a game.
11 - For the first time since September 2023, Paris SG have fielded the same starting 11 in two consecutive competitive matches (v Nice last Friday and v Arsenal tonight). Risk? #ARSPSGpic.twitter.com/Es5pu0SZtf
Subs: Matvey Safonov, Arnau Tenas, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernández, Lucas Beraldo, Kang-in Lee, Senny Mayulu, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Gonçalo Ramos, Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye.
Apr 29, 2025, 6:07 PM
Arsenal: Lineups
Starting XI: David Raya, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard.
Subs: Neto, Tommy Setford, Kieran Tierney, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jack Henry-Francis, Raheem Sterling, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Ismeal Kabia, Ethan Nwaneri.
Apr 29, 2025, 3:34 PM
Arsenal vs PSG: Head-to-head stats
PSG have never won against Arsenal across all the competitions. In 5 matches between the clubs, Arsenal won twice while three matches were drawn.
In the UEFA Champions League, Arsenal and PSG played 3 games between them. Arsenal won once and rest two matches were drawn.
Apr 29, 2025, 3:22 PM
Tonight's Venue | Arsenal Stadium, London
Apr 29, 2025, 3:21 PM
How to watch the match?
Football fans from India can watch the Arsenal vs PSG UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final 1st leg match live on Sony Sports Network TV Channel. They can also live stream the match on Sony LIV App and Website with a paid subscription.
Apr 29, 2025, 3:16 PM
Match Details
Match: Arsenal vs PSG, UEFA Champions League 2024-25, semi-final, 1st leg
El Clasico is considered as the greatest football rivalries, between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Here is the list of the top 10 greatest El Clasico matches ever played.
Zamorano celebrating his goal in the 1995 El Clasico. Image | TheHardTackle
The Real Madrid vs. Barcelona match on January 7, 1995, at the Santiago Bernabeu was unforgettable. Zamorano netted a hat-trick, leading Real Madrid to a commanding 5-0 victory in this LaLiga clash. It was one of the most one-sided El Clasico matches ever, with the home team fully dominating Barcelona.
The match gave Real Madrid an edge in the title race for La Liga.
9. Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona, 2014
Gareth Bale(right) celebrating his 85th minute winner against Barcelona in the 2014 El Clasico. Image | Sky Sports
The Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain, hosted the 2014 Copa Del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona on April 16. The match seemed headed for extra time, but a brilliant 85th-minute goal from Gareth Balesecured the victory for Real Madrid. It marked their 19th Copa del Rey title.
8. FC Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid, 2010
Xavi Hernandez after scoring the first goal of the night in the 2010 El Clasico. Image | CNN
After dominating El Clasico the previous season, Barcelona, led by coach Pep Guardiola, continued their strong form in 2009-10. Real Madrid had spent big to rebuild their "Galactico Era," bringing in stars like Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
But Madrid’s firepower wasn’t enough. Barcelona crushed them 5-0 at the Camp Nou, with David Villa scoring twice. Messi didn’t score but played a big role in most of the goals.
Lionel Messi celebrating his hattrick in the 2007 El Clasico. Image | 90MIN
This LaLiga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid took place at Camp Nou on March 10, 2007, and ended in an exciting 3-3 draw. Both teams played their hearts out, making it one of the greatest El Clasico matches in recent years.
Messi scored a hat-trick, whileVan Nistelrooy scored twice andRamos added one for Madrid. A fierce, high-scoring clash that highlighted both teams' firepower.
6. Real Madrid 4-2 FC Barcelona, 2005
Raul Gonzalez celebrating his goal in the 2005 El Clasico. Image | Squawka
The early 2000s saw Real Madrid stacked with stars like Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, and Ronaldo Nazario. Despite Barcelona boasting talents like Ronaldinho, Eto'o, and Xavi, Madrid outclassed them with a 4-2 win—Zidane and Ronaldo struck early, while Raul and Owen sealed it in the second half.
5. Real Madrid 3-1 FC Barcelona, 1960
Alfredo Di Stefano trying to score a goal in the 1960 El Clasico. Image | Alamy
Real Madrid’s clash with Barcelona in the 1960 European Cup Semifinal is seen as a key moment in El Clasico history. Madrid won 3-1 and reached the final. Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas found the net for Real Madrid, sealing their victory in the semifinal against Barcelona.
The match showed the strong rivalry and attacking power of both teams. It's still remembered today as one of the greatest El Clasico matches and a major turning point in their history.
4. FC Barcelona 4-0 Real Madrid, 2015
Luis Suarez(centre) celebrating his goal in the 2015 El Clasico. Image | FC Barcelona
During the peak of the MSN era at Barcelona, the team looked unstoppable in Spain. But for the first El Clasico of the season, Messi was out with an injury. Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t make much impact, while Luis Suárez and Neymar stepped up. They led Barcelona to a dominant 4-0 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
With both teams playing attacking football and creating plenty of chances, this was the greatest El Clasico match of the 1980s. Butragueno gave Real Madrid the lead, but Gary Lineker put Barcelona ahead. Goals from Schuster and Michel made it 3-1 for Madrid. Julio Salinas gave Barca hope, but a late goal from Hugo Sanchez sealed the win for Real Madrid.
2. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2011
Cesc Fabregas(left) celebrating his assist to Lionel Messi(right) in the 2011 El Clasico. Image | TheNewYorkTimes
One of the most intense and dramatic El Clasicos happened in 2011 during the Supercopa de Espana. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu, but the second leg had everything—goals, fouls, and lots of drama.
Iniesta put Barcelona ahead, Ronaldo equalised, and Messi sealed it with two goals, including a late 88th-minute winner. The match turned chaotic after a foul on Fabregas sparked a brawl, leading to four red cards and Mourinho infamously poking Vilanova in the eye.
1. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2017
Debatably the greatest El Clasico match of the modern era, took place in the 2016-17 LaLiga season. Real Madrid was leading the league and hoping to extend their lead, while Barcelona needed a win to stay in the title race.
What made this match unforgettable happened in the final moments. The ball was passed to Messi just outside the Real Madrid penalty area. Instead of taking a wild shot, Messi calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner, securing a crucial victory for Barcelona at their biggest rivals' home.
Discover the last 10 European Golden Shoe winners list, featuring stars like Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane, and legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Luis Suarez.
The European Golden Shoe is one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, given annually to the leading goal scorer from the top European leagues. Over the past decade, some of football’s biggest superstars have dominated this recognition, showcasing their incredible talent and consistency in front of goal.
Harry Kane is among the greatest strikers to crave his name in the European Golden Shoe winners list. Despite the Bayern forward's failure to win any silverware, he won one of the most prestigious individual awards the Golden Shoe, this award shows his goal-scoring prowess. The Englishmen won the award for scoring 36 goals in the 2024-25 season.
Erling Haaland | 2022-23 | Manchester City:
Image Credit: Man City
Earling Haaland scored 36 goals in the Premier League 2022-23 season to win the prestigious individual award and cemented his name among the top players to win the European Golden Shoe winners list. In that season Earling Haaland and company won their maiden UEFA Champions League title and completed a treble for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
Robert Lewandowski | 2021-22 and 2020-21 | Bayern Munich:
Image Credit: ESPN
Robert Lewandowski won the Golden Shoe Award in the 2021-22 season, as he cemented his name as one of the two players to win the European Golden Shoe multiple times in the list. His goals were more than enough to declare him a Ballon d'Or winner, but he was overshadowed by Karim Benzema in that season.
In the 2020-21 season, Robert Lewandowski won his first Golden Shoe Award. In that season Robert Lewandowski and his company won a treble for Bayern Munich under Julian Nagelsmann, but he failed to win the Ballon d'Or award as Lionel Messi won the Copa America.
Ciro Immobile | 2019-20 | Lazio:
Image Credit: Rediff
Immobile scored 36 league goals for Lazio in 2019-20 to win the prestigious individual award and cemented his name among the top players to win the European Golden Shoe winners list. Despite scoring 36 league goals for Lazio but did not get the chance to claim a Ballon d’Or rank as the award was cancelled that year due to Covid.
Lionel Messi | 2018-19, 2017-18, and 2016-17 | FC Barcelona:
Image Credit: Sports Net
Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski are the only players to crave their names multiple times in the European Golden Shoe winners list. In the 2018-19 season, Messi became the last player to win the Golden Shoe and Ballon d'Or in one season. Messi was the only player, who was dragging Ernesto Valverde's managed Barcelona side to the treble and scored 36 goals.
In the 2017-18 season, Messi scored 34 league goals and won his second European Golden Shoe, despite delivering a stinker performance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In the 2016-17 season, Messi scored more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the Ballon d'Or that season, but Messi won the European Golden Shoe and became the first player to win the Golden Shoe thrice in the list.
Luis Suarez | 2015-16 | FC Barcelona:
Image Credit: The Mirror
Luis Suarez was a goalscoring machine in 2015-16, as he even managed to outgun the likes of Messi and Ronaldo. The Uruguayan scored 40 goals in La Liga alone, and he became the one and only player to win an individual award in Messi and Ronaldo's era. His goalscoring prowess is the reason, he is on the European Golden Shoe winners list.
Cristiano Ronaldo | 2014-15 | Real Madrid:
Image Credit: Eurosport
Surprisingly, 2014-15 was the last time that Ronaldo ever won the European Golden Shoe. He enjoyed an excellent individual season, scoring 48 league goals for Real Madrid, but was ultimately overshadowed by Barcelona and Messi who won the treble that year. His excellent goal-scoring skills are the reason he is on the European Golden Shoe winners list.
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Uruguay vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Why is Lionel Messi not playing?
Lionel Messi has been excluded from the Argentina squad that will take on Uruguay and Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in March. In this article, we explain the reason.
Lionel Scaloni announced a 26-member squad on March 17th, excluding the World Cup-winning captain., sparking debates among the Albiceleste fans.
However, reports suggested that Messi might have sustained an injury during the Major League Soccer game for Inter Miami, making it impossible for him to attend the national fixture.
Sportz Point breaks down why Lionel Messi will not play against Uruguay and later against Brazil.
Why is Lionel Messi not playing?
(Image Credit | AFP)
The 37-year-old Argentine forward sustained a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle during Inter Miami's MLS encounter against Atalanta United on March 16th, Sunday.
🚨⚠️ Understand Leo Messi completed a scan in the morning after the game vs Atlanta United last night.
The scan confirmed that Messi suffered from a small muscle injury in the adductor area and he won’t be available to play for Argentina. pic.twitter.com/x7v6kAukyv
Although Lionel Messi opened the scoring and led Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory, it has been revealed that he has suffered an injury that might keep him out of international duties.
Inter Miami issued an official statement on March 18th, stating Messi's injury updates. The statement reads:
Inter Miami CF has provided an injury update presented by Baptist Health for captain Leo Messi.
Messi underwent an MRI this morning to assess the extent of the discomfort in his adductor region, which he experienced during last night’s match against Atlanta United.
The examination’s findings confirmed the presence of a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle. His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition.
The Argentina captain himself posted a story on Instagram which contains a photo of him in the national shirt, and he conveyed his disappointment in a short statement.
It's a shame to miss these two very special matches with the national team against Uruguay and Brazil. As always, I wanted to be there, but at the last minute, a minor injury forced me to take a break before playing again left me out. From here, I'll be cheering and supporting you like any other fan. Go Argentina!
These statements confirm that he's not expected to be sidelined for long but will miss the upcoming matches with Uruguay on March 22nd and Brazil on March 26th.
✍️ Lionel Messi makes his own statement on the injury via his Instagram account:
However, Messi will have to wait until before donning the national crest again. In the June international break, when Argentina will travel to play against Chile on June 4th and will take on Colombia on June 9th.
Top 11 players with most matches in Laliga history
Explore the top 11 players with the most appearances in La Liga, including legends like Andoni Zubizarreta, Joaquín, and Lionel Messi, as well as current stars such as Antoine Griezmann.
The Spanish League, or Laliga, is the second most-viewed football league in the world. It is regarded as one of the top five elite European leagues and has legendary clubs. Many football legends played in this league but only a few of them managed to play for a long duration and hold the record of most matches in Laliga. Here is the list of the top 11 players with the most matches in Laliga.
Top 11 players with the most matches in Laliga history:
RANK
PLAYERS
NATION
CLUBS
GOALS
APPEARANCE
1.
Joaquin
Spain
Real Betis, Malaga CF, and Valencia
77
622
2.
Andoni Zubizarreta
Spain
Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Deportivo Alaves, FC Barcelona
0
622
3.
Raul Garcia
Spain
Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, CA Osasuna
111
609
4.
Raul
Spain
Real Madrid CF
228
550
5.
Loren Juarros
Spain
Real Sociedad, Real Burgos, Athletic Bilbao
64
546
6.
Eusebio
Spain
Real Valladolid, FC Barcelona Celta Vigo, Atletico Madrid
36
543
7.
Paco Buyo
Spain
Real Madrid, Sevilla, Mallorca, RCD Coruna
0
542
8.
Sergio Ramos
Spain
Sevilla, Real Madrid
77
536
9.
Manolo Sanchis
Spain
Real Madrid CF
33
523
10.
Antoine Griezmann
France
FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad
198
520
11.
Lionel Messi
Argentina/Spain
FC Barcelona
474
520
11. Lionel Messi | FC Barcelona | 520 Matches
Image Credit: FC Barcelona
One of the greatest players to ever grace this sport, Lionel Messi ranks 11th in the most matches in Laliga history's list with 520 appearances.
The Argentine forward came to Spain at a very young age and played for FC Barcelona since he was a teenager. The Catalan talisman also holds the record for the most goals in Laliga, with 474 strikes.
10. Antoine Griezmann | FC Barcelona, Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid | 520 Matches
Image Credit: Sports Now
Antoine Griezmann has now played 520 matches in Laliga, making him one of the players with the most matches in Laliga history.
The French international has been a pivotal player for both Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, including his short spell in FC Barcelona. Although a player like this has never been crowned with a Laliga title, his dedication to the game has made him one of the greatest players in the league.
Manolo Sanchis was a Centre-back and represented Real Madrid in 523 matches, making him one of the players with the most matches in Laliga. The legendary defender won the league a total of eight times and also has two Spanish Cups in his cabinet.
8. Sergio Ramos | Real Madrid CF, Sevilla | 536 Matches
Image Credit: Football Espana
Sergio Ramos has made 536 appearances in Laliga, making him the eighth player in this list of the most matches in Laliga history.
The legendary Spanish Centre-back represented Sevilla and then Real Madrid in the competition multiple times. The former Spaniard won four UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
Paco Buyo is one of only two goalkeepers on the list who has played the most matches in Laliga history. He made 542 appearances in Laliga, turning out mostly for Real Madrid. Buyo has a special place in the club's history and won the league title six times with Real Madrid.
6. Eusebio | Real Valladolid, Celta Vigo, FC Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid | 543 Matches
Image Credit: FC Barcelona
Eusebio is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders, and he played his career's most matches in Laliga. The Spanish midfielder played 543 matches in Laliga, representing four clubs. Eusebio is a FC Barcelona legend, having won four titles with them. He retired from his professional career in 2002 and has since become a manager.
5. Loren Juarros | Real Sociedad, Real Burgos, Athletic Bilbao | 546 Matches
Image Credit: SUR
Loren Juarros is a former Spanish footballer and is known for his longevity in Laliga, having played 546 matches in the competition. Primarily a defender, he spent most of his career at Real Sociedad becoming a club legend.
His impressive appearance tally places him among the players with the most matches in Laliga. After retiring, Lorren transitioned into a sporting director role, contributing to Real Sociedad's player recruitment and development plan.
4. Raul | Real Madrid CF | 550 Matches
Image Credit: UEFA
Raul was one of the most lethal strikers the sport has ever seen. A club legend for Real Madrid, he made over 550 matches and cemented his in the most matches in Laliga history list.
The Spaniard scored 228 goals as well during that time. He won six La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League titles with the club. Currently, he is the manager of Real Madrid Castilla.
Raul Garcia has carved his place in football history by becoming one of the players with the most matches in Laliga, totaling an incredible 609 appearances.
The Spanish midfielder is known for his versatility and leadership. He played for CA Osasuna, Atletico Madrid, and Athletic Bilbao, leaving a lasting impact at each club. His longevity and consistency made him a key figure in Spanish football.
2. Andoni Zubizarreta | Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Deportivo Alaves, FC Barcelona | 622 Matches
Image Credit: 90 Min
Andoni Zubizarreta made 622 appearances and is the player with the second-most matches in Laliga. The Goalkeeper extensively for Athletic Bilbao, Valencia, Deportivo Alaves, and FC Barcelona.
He won the league a total of six times, four with FC Barcelona and two with Athletic Bilbao. Zubizarreta retired from the sport in 1998.
1. Joaquin | Real Betis, Malaga CF, and Valencia | 622 Matches
Image Credit: Euro Sport
Joaquin holds the record for the most matches in Laliga, with 622 appearances throughout his career. The Spanish winger, known for his time at Real Betis, Valencia, and Malaga CF, surpassed the previous record of 622 matches held by Andoni Zubizarreta.
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