Following its repeated failures to win the most coveted trophy in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain know perfectly well that it is not enough to add up individual talents to make a team succeed on the biggest stage.

Since its wealthy Qatari owners took control of the French team more than 10 years ago, PSG have become a global brand with strong commercial revenues. Year after year his roster has grown ever more formidable, with the addition of superstars like David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

And year after year, the title he dreams of so much, the Champions League, has remained inaccessible despite his rapprochement in 2020 with a second place.

Taking the example of the “Galácticos” policy implemented under the presidency of Florentino Pérez at Real Madrid, PSG has not, however, given up on its strategy of buying the biggest names in football.

After securing the services of a four-time Champions League winner and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner this season from Lionel Messi, the club are hoping this will be a game-changer.

The former Barcelona great is now under pressure to deliver against Madrid in a clash between a club who like to brand themselves as the kings of Europe and the ‘new riches’ of football. match Tuesday at the Parc des Princes.

“Leo is in good condition, it’s a decisive match, these kinds of nights really matter for a player with such talent,” PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino said through a translator on Monday. “With his experience, he obviously plays a vital role.”

Messi has slowly adapted to his new club since signing a two-year contract with PSG last summer, scoring just seven goals in 20 appearances.

PSG captain Marquinhos says the 34-year-old Argentine great needs time to find the right balance in his new surroundings but expects him to put on a fine display against Madrid, a club that he tortured during his long spell in Spain with Barcelona, ​​scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists in 45 games.

“It’s not overnight that you get used to change, especially in his case, with all the explosion that surrounds him (his transfer),” Marquinhos said. a great game.”

With Neymar just back from injury and unlikely to start, PSG will also be counting on Mbappe to make an impact. The French striker, who has long been courted by Madrid, has been in superb form recently and scored an injury-time winner on Friday in the French league.

A mouth-watering showdown between Mbappe and his French team-mate Karim Benzema looks unlikely to unfold. Benzema has been included in Madrid’s squad but is uncertain as he returns from a hamstring injury which has kept him out since last month.

Benzema said he has recovered well and a decision on his fitness to play will be made after Monday’s final training session.

“I hope I can be ready but I shouldn’t take any risks because the season is long,” he said.

Madrid haven’t reached the final since scoring a hat-trick in the European Cup in 2018. Coach Carlo Ancelotti now travels to face the side he once coached with just one victory in the in the last four matches in all competitions, but confidence remains high.

“Now we are heading towards what is the most beautiful moment in football,” said midfielder Casemiro. “We want to win everything we can.”

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