PSG Transfer News Roundup: Argentina team ready to sacrifice themselves for Lionel Messi, Parisians interested in Manchester City winger, and more - 23 April 2022
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were crowned Ligue 1 champions after a 1-1 draw against Lens at the Parc des Princes on Saturday (23 April).
Lionel Messi put the hosts ahead with a sublime finish, but the visitors hit back through Corentin Jean in the dying moments of the game. It is the Parisians' eighth league title in the last ten years and tenth overall.
Meanwhile, The Argentinian 1978 FIFA World Cup winner Mario Kempes believes Argentina are ready to sacrifice themselves for Messi at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Elsewhere, the Parisians are interested in a certain Manchester City winger.
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On that note, here's a look at the key PSG transfer stories as of 23rd April 2022:
Argentina national team ready to sacrifice itself for Lionel Messi, says Mario Kempes
Argentina legend Mario Kempes believes La Albiceleste are better placed to lay siege to the FIFA World Cup this year. The South American nation won their first international title in nearly three decades last year by triumphing at the Copa America, with Messi instrumental in their triumph. The 34-year-old, in the process, also ended his duck with the national team by winning his first senior silverware.
Messi has endured a difficult campaign with PSG so far, scoring only nine times across competitions since arriving from Barcelona on a free transfer last summer. However, thereβs no denying his importance to the national team.
The seven-time Ballon dβOr winner is the heartbeat of La Albiceleste, who have enjoyed a good run of form under manager Lionel Scaloni. The 34-year-old will now have his eyes on the Holy Grail of football.
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Speaking to TNT Sports Argentina, as relayed by PSG Talk, Kempes stressed on the Argentina teamβs ability to complement Lionel Messi, saying:
βI see it much better, with self-confidence, with personality. They know that they have to sacrifice themselves for Messi."
Messi is likely to make his fifth and final appearance at the quadrennial tournament this winter. Argentina are drawn with Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia in Group C.
PSG interested in Riyad Mahrez
PSG are interested in Riyad Mahrez, according to PSG Talk via Nabil Djellit. The French giants are ready to let Angel Di Maria leave this summer once his current contract expires. Les Parisiens want a replacement for the Argentinean and have their eyes on Mahrez.
The Algerian has been in a rich vein of form this season for Manchester City, registering 23 goals and eight assists from 42 games. His current contract expires in 2023, and the Parisians are hoping to lap him up this summer. However, the French giants are expected to face stiff competition from Real Madrid for Mahrez's signature.
Mauricio Pochettino opens up on Kylian Mbappeβs future
Mauricio Pochettino is not too worried about Kylian Mbappeβs future. The Frenchman is in the final few months of his current contract with the Parisians. He is yet to commit himself to the club, with Real Madrid looking to snap him up.
Speaking at a press conference as seen on PSG Talk, Pochettino hinted that a decision on Mbappeβs future might have to wait until the summer, saying:
βNo, as a coach, it doesnβt bother me; this kind of situation doesnβt only exist at PSG. This is not the first nor the last time that it will happen in all clubs. Selfishly, I would like to keep it, take it on vacation with me and even at home (laughs)."
He continued:
βWe all want him to extend; thatβs obvious. But these decisions belong to the club, to the player. But first, you have to be a champion. It is only after the season is over that we can address the various individual cases."
Mbappe, who won his fifth Ligue 1 title on Sunday, has bagged 33 goals and 22 assists across competitions this season.