Messi in action for PSG. / Picture: APA / AFP / FRANCK FIFE
Lionel Messi has been on the football field for a club other than FC Barcelona for the first time in his professional career. The 34-year-old made his debut in Paris Saint-Germain dress on Sunday evening. After 65 minutes on the bench, the six-time world footballer came on for Neymar in PSG's 2-0 win at Stade Reims and was greeted with applause by the fans. Another superstar scored the goals with Kylian Mbappe, who was willing to emigrate.
At his debut with the shirt number 30, Messi was not yet able to set any decisive accents. The performance could be noted as inconspicuous. He started solo runs twice, but got stuck with the opposing players. Mbappe tried to serve the Argentine with passes for a shot on goal, but the ball failed both times. Messi last played a competitive game at the Copa America in early July.
“He was satisfied with the team and happy to develop with his colleagues. He wants to keep working and I am sure that we will be even better soon,” said PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino after his compatriot's debut. The fans of the home team had already applauded while Messi was warming up. The opponents were apparently just as impressed. After the final whistle, Reims goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic took a photo of Messi with his young son on his arm. Defender Andrew Gravillon asked in vain for Messi's jersey. “Maybe next time I'll be happier,” he said afterwards.
Mbappe was the guarantee for the success of the Ligue 1 front-runner, flawless after four matchdays. The 22-year-old star striker, associated with Real Madrid, scored in the 16th and 63rd minutes. Pochettino was once again confident that Mbappe, whose contract expires next summer, will remain. “Our president and (head of sport) Leonardo were very clear. Kylian is our player,” said the coach. In reality, according to media reports, the offer is now said to have increased to 180 million euros.
