Lionel Messi makes Paris St-Germain debut at Reims in Ligue 1

Lionel Messi makes Paris St-Germain debut at Reims in Ligue 1
August 30, 2021, 5:00 am

messi-PSG

The BBC Sport reported, Lionel Messi made his Paris St-Germain debut as a 66th-minute substitute in a 2-0 win at Reims in Ligue 1.

According to the BBC, the Argentine, wearing his new number 30 PSG shirt, received a standing ovation as he replaced his friend Neymar in front of a sell-out crowd.

It was the first club game of his career for a team other than Barcelona.

The BBC reported, citing boss Mauricio Pochettino as saying to Amazon: "He is still far away from his best form but he has been training well and he will be fit in the next two weeks."

"We are waiting for the best from him. I'm very happy that he made his debut. It was very important for him.

"He was good, from his first touches he gave the team peace of mind. It's good for him to start with a win.

"It was good to hear the crowd cheering for him, not just our supporters, it's something Leo has earned."

The BBC added, Lionel Messi played some nice passes and was involved in good link-up play, drawing several fouls. However he had few touches in the penalty area and no shooting opportunities.

Pochettino said: "He brings serenity to the team. His energy and his optimism trickle down on the rest of the team."

The BBC mentioned, Messi had missed the first few games for PSG since his free transfer move following his exit from Barcelona.

This was his first game since winning the Copa America with Argentina in July.

Source: BBCsport

UK recognizes the need to work with Russia and China on Afghan track Biden’s Afghan fiasco and the Middle East