After coming off the bench in the second half of the match at Reims, Messi made his debut in PSG’s first team on Sunday.
In the 66th minute, Neymar was replaced by Messi and they hugged.
After many years of glory at Messi’s Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona with 99,000 seats, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner was finally able to make his debut at PSG at the Stade Auguste Delaune’s modest 20,000-seater.
Messi is such a star that home fans shouted “Messi! Messi!” while Predrag Rajkovic, Reims’ goalkeeper took a photo after the match of Messi holding a child.
Mauricio Pochettino, PSG coach, was touched by Messi’s reception and pointed out that both sides were thrilled to see him play.
Pochettino stated that the welcome he received was beautiful to hear and see from our fans as well as the Reims fans. It was a very special moment for Messi. His presence creates more enthusiasm. Everyone can feel it, and it has an impact on the other players.”
Many people gathered to see Messi before the match. He descended from the bus with hundreds of supporters and waved at them.
They wanted to see Messi’s idol, Diego Maradona.
Fans have been astonished by Messi’s extraordinary skill, control, grace and vision, dancing feet as well as his speed, thought, and execution for many years.
Barca’s 672 goals saw him win 35 trophies, including the 2015 Champions League with Neymar.
It was the last time Messi was awarded Europe’s elite trophy. Ironically, the goal that he scored for Barca in Champions League was a stunning strike against PSG in the round 16.
After his contract with Barcelona was terminated, Messi, 34, joined PSG just three weeks ago.
Real Madrid tried to sign Kylian Mbappe, a striker, before the close of the summer transfer window.
Before Messi arrived, Mbappe had scored both goals.
He scored Angel Di Maria’s goal in the 15th minute, and then he turned in Achraf Haikimi’s cross to the 63rd. This was his 135th goal since joining PSG.
Pochettino said, “No, I wasn’t surprised by his enthusiasm,” but did not comment on Mbappe’s immediate future.
It remains to be seen if it will be his last at PSG. The club has four consecutive wins and 12 points.
OTHER MATCHES
Lille, the French champion, and Monaco won their first game of the season.
Jonathan David and Yusuf Yazici scored for Lille, beating Montpellier 2-1. Sofiane Diop scored both goals for Monaco, which bounced back with a win at Troyes 2-1.
Angers is unbeaten and currently holds 10 points, having beaten Rennes 2-0 at their home.
It was also: Lens 2, Lorient 2, Brest 2, Brest 3, Strasbourg 3, Brest 1, Clermont 2, Metz 2.
