Lionel Messi could use 'Argentina clause' ahead of the World Cup

Lionel Messi could request to skip Paris Saint-Germain's last match before the 2022 World Cup, according to reports.

PSG play Auxerre on November 13 while Argentina kick off their World Cup campaign on November 22 against Saudi Arabia.

And according to Gaston Edul, the 35-year-old could miss the league clash against Auxerre amid concerns about his fitness.

It's understood that Messi shares a friendly relationship with PSG boss Christophe Galtier, who could allow the superstar forward's request to miss the league fixture against Auxerre.

Messi also has an 'Argentina clause' in his PSG contract, which allows him to prioritise international commitments over club duty.

Lionel Messi in discussion with Christophe Galtier. Image: Alamy

With the World Cup looming, Messi has his sights set on more international glory following Argentina's Copa America success last year.

PSG have three fixtures before the season breaks for the World Cup.

As mentioned above, Argentina begin their Qatar venture against Saudi Arabia before facing Mexico on November 26 and Poland on November 30.

La Albiceleste are one of the big favourites to win this winter's tournament, which gets underway on November 20.

And the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has confirmed that Qatar will be his last World Cup.

"This will be my last World Cup - for sure. The decision has been made," he told Argentine journalist Sebastian Vignolo.

Messi has been in scintillating form this season, scoring 12 goals and registering 13 assists in 17 matches for PSG.

Jamie Carragher wants Argentina to win the World Cup so that Messi can cement his status as the 'greatest player to ever play football'.

Speaking on CBS Sports alongside Thierry Henry and Micah Richards, he said: "He is the best player I think all three of us has ever seen.

"You've got greats that have come before; Pele, maybe Johan Cruyff, of course we all saw [Diego] Maradona.

"But I would say that Lionel Messi is the greatest player to ever play football.

"That may not be universal because everyone associates... you have to win a World Cup.

"I would love nothing more than in Qatar for Argentina and Lionel Messi to win the World Cup.

"Just to cement him, where I see him - but in everybody's eyes, as the greatest player to have ever played the game."

Topics: Lionel Messi, Football, Argentina, FIFA Club World Cup

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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