TOM COLLOMOSSE: Is tonight a glimpse into PSG’s post-Neymar world? The absence against Bayern could be a blessing in disguise with their uncertain future: Galtier has stumbled upon a potent formation that can bring out the best in Messi and Mbappe.
- Neymar underwent surgery on his ankle injury that rules him out for the season
- With Neymar out, Christophe Galtier has stumbled upon his most powerful formation
- Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé have combined well and seem to be the future of PSG
The match unfolded just as today’s youth would have liked when they play their favorite soccer game on their consoles.
Lionel Messi to Kylian Mbappé, goal. Mbappé to Messi, goal. Mbappé to Messi to Mbappé, goal. Three goals and three points for Paris Saint-Germain against fierce rivals Marseille, and their closest rivals for the Ligue 1 title.
Messi even thanked Mbappe for the sumptuous assist on his goal, then returned the favor with an even better one: a chip Rory McIlroy would have been proud of, volleyed off Mbappe’s left boot.
In the celebrations that followed, one man was conspicuous by his absence. The world record transfer fee holder and the man brought to Paris to outshine Europe’s traditional heavyweights: Neymar da Silva Santos Junior.
The Brazilian’s fragile right ankle has betrayed him again and he will not play for the remainder of the season.
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar suffered a season-ending ankle injury against Lille last month.
Neymar will see the rest of the campaign from the bench after having an ankle operation
With the Brazilian out, PSG boss Christophe Galtier has stumbled upon his most potent formation.
That will come as a relief for Bayern Munich, who had a one-goal lead over PSG going into Wednesday’s second leg of the Champions League round of 16, although it’s tempting to think that with Neymar out of the picture, the boss Christophe Galtier has stumbled upon his most powerful lineup.
Players as talented as Messi and Mbappé understand each other naturally on the pitch and, as they have worked more together, the signs have been encouraging.
A word about Neymar. Anyone who suggests they’re a wildly overrated show pony faking injuries isn’t watching enough football. He has 77 goals in 124 games for Brazil (same number as Pelé) and together with Messi and Luis Suárez he was part of one of the best attacking formations in the history of Barcelona. They got the domestic double and the Champions League in 2015, with Neymar scoring in the final against Juventus.
Messi has repeatedly urged Barcelona to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou after he left for PSG in a £198m deal in 2017.
Messi wouldn’t do that for a player he doesn’t rate, regardless of friendship. Those who dismiss Neymar are often the same people who genuinely believe that players like Declan Rice are worth £150m.
However, forcing a manager to pick two of Neymar, Messi and Mbappé and the Brazilian will usually be the outsider. If Neymar is a great of his own era, Messi is an all-time great and Mbappé will surely join him in that group, if he hasn’t already.
Neymar’s huge salary and his contract that runs until 2025 make it virtually impossible to get him out of Paris.
Lionel Messi (right) and Kylian Mbappé have combined well in Neymar’s absence
Mbappé and Messi’s new attacking partnership could be the key to beating Bayern Munich
The power of the players at PSG is greater than at any other club in the world. A Messi-Mbappé attacking partnership would not force Neymar to sit on the bench. If life were that simple. On top of that, the future of Messi and Mbappé with the French champions is uncertain.
However, Neymar’s latest absence once again highlights his time in France. He came to PSG with two objectives: to win the Champions League for the club and to win the Ballon d’Or. He has not done either of those two things and he will be 32 years old on his next birthday.
Despite 13 trophies in the French capital, and 22 in European play, Neymar has not lived up to his high standards.
And as harsh as that sounds, it would seem fitting for PSG to finally deliver the Champions League with their original superstar hot on their heels.