UEFA Champions League: Is Lionel Messi playing for PSG against Benfica? Here's an update

After an important 2-1 victory over Nice over weekend, Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will now turn ir attention to UEFA Champions League (UCL). y will face Benfica on Wednesday in ir third group stage game. game will begin live at 12:30 AM IST on October 6, from iconic Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.

With both teams currently level on points in Group H of UCL, each side will hope to get win to increase ir chances of topping group ahe of knockout stages. If PSG are to beat in-form Portuguese side, y will need ir best players on pitch. With that in mind, here is a look at wher Lionel Messi is playing or not.

Is Lionel Messi playing against Benfica?

In squ that PSG released for game against Benfica on October 4, Lionel Messi was named in it, suggesting that he is completely fit for UEFA Champions League game against Benfica. Hence, considering sheer quality and current form of Argentine international, it will be surprising if he does not feature in game against Portuguese outfit.

After a relatively muted campaign last year, Messi seems to have found his best this season. seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has alrey scored five goals and contributed with seven assists from just nine Ligue 1 appearances. And that is not it, as he is also arriving into game against Benfica after scoring a stunning free-kick against Nice over weekend.

Benfica vs PSG team news

While Lionel Messi is fit for clash against Benfica, club released an official update to confirm that both Presnel Kimpembe and Renato Sanches were sidelined for this game. ir statement re, "Renato Sanches, who felt a niggle in his right ductor in last game, won't travel with team to Lisbon. He'll return to training by end of week. (Meanwhile,) Presnel Kimpembe continues his recovery at Training Centre."

Benfica's predicted starting line-up: Vlachodimos; Bah, A. Silva, Otamendi, Grimaldo; Florentino, Fernandez; Neres, R. Silva, Mario; Ramos

PSG's predicted starting line-up: Donnarumma; Mukiele, Marquinhos, Ramos; Hakimi, Pereira, Vitinha, Mendes; Messi, Mbappe, Neymar