Since Qatar's sovereign wealth fund took control of the French club more than a decade ago, PSG have transformed into a global brand that generates notable revenue.
Year after year, the squad added stars like David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar and Kylian Mbapp�.
And year after year the title he so aspires to, the Champions League, has been unattainable, although in 2020 he was one step away from glory when he lost to Bayern Munich in the final.
Taking note of the "galactic" strategy of Florentino P�rez's first presidency at Real Madrid, PSG has not given up on the plan to bring together the best in world football.
That is why they signed Lionel Messi, a four-time Champions League winner who recently received his seventh Ballon d'Or.
Until now, the former Barcelona in Paris has been very pale. But the Argentine crack can change course from Tuesday when the "nouveau riche" receive Madrid in the Parc des Princes to open the round of 16 tie.
"These are important nights and Leo is fine and can transmit many things individually and on the role with the whole team," said PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino, also an Argentine.
Messi has had a hard time adjusting to his new club after signing for two years at the end of last summer. The "Flea" has scored just seven goals in 20 games.
PSG captain Marquinhos pointed out that Messi needs time to adapt to a new environment, but that he expects him to be decisive against Madrid. After all, Messi tortured the Merengues during his Spanish spell with Barcelona, ??scoring 26 goals for them in 45 games.
"It was a very sudden change of city, with a lot of noise," said Marquinho. We have to help him gain confidence. Every day he looks more comfortable and confident. He had to go through a tremendous change and needs time to get used to it." .
With Neymar fresh from injury and unlikely to start, PSG are also relying on Mbappe to make a difference. Courted by Madrid, the French striker arrives in high spirits � it was only on Friday that he scored in stoppage time for the French league leader to defeat Rennes.
But the heads-up between Mbapp� and his compatriot Karim Benzema may not come true.
Benzema entered Madrid's squad but is doubtful due to an injury that has kept him out of action since last month.
The "Gato" assured on Monday that he has recovered well and that the decision on his availability will depend on the last training session on Monday night.
"I've recovered a lot, I have to have sensations on the pitch," Benzema said at a press conference. "I'm 100% in the head. And then we'll decide."
Madrid has not reached the European final since completing a succession of three consecrations in 2018.
Now, coach Carlo Ancelotti faces a rival he managed in the past. The meringues have won just one of their last four games in all competitions, but they are full of confidence.
"The rival is difficult, they have the aspiration like us to be champion", warned Ancelotti. �It could be a final and no one would be surprised. We want to eliminate PSG�.
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