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Former France manager Raymond Domenech has given his verdict on who out of Neymar Jr., Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe is more important to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The three attackers have been in sublime form this campaign and have combined to score 35 goals and make 21 assists between them across competitions. Messi has nine strikes and 10 assists to his name in 15 matches under manager Christophe Galtier.
He had a tough debut season in France which ultimately led to him missing out on a nomination for the 2022 Ballon d'Or. However, he has quickly become Galtier's most prized possession up front.
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Speaking in an interview, as quoted by Diario Ole (h/t @RoyNemer on Twitter), Domenech said:
"In Paris (PSG), now it's Messi that wins the games. He makes the difference. Mbappe could have very good games but the one that makes the difference is always Messi."
Lionel Messi's playmaking abilities make him stand out from the bunch even at the age of 35. He may have lost a yard of pace over the years, but his passing, vision, and shooting ability have remained intact.
His link-up play with Neymar and Mbappe gets the best out of those two superstars. Domenech's comments come amidst claims that Mbappe wants to be the centerpiece of Les Parisiens' project.
Lionel Messi is on course to become a free agent at the end of the season if he doesn't renew his contract. His deal has the option of a one-year extension, but it remains to be seen if he will be open to that.
Barcelona have been linked with signing the Argentina icon next year if he lets his contract expire at PSG.
PSG eager to extend Lionel Messi's contract
According to Le Parisien (h/t BarcaUniversal), PSG are willing to offer Lionel Messi a one-year contract with an option to extend it for another season.
The player is seemingly not averse to the idea. However, it has been repeatedly claimed that the former Barcelona attacker will make a decision on his future once the FIFA World Cup in Qatar comes to an end.
The tournament kicks off on November 20, with the final scheduled to take place on December 18. Messi is expected to captain Argentina in what is expected to be his last World Cup.
He reached the final of the competition in 2014, losing to Germany in the final by a 1-0 margin.
