Lionel Messi will tonight make his long-awaited debut for Paris Saint-Germian as the Ligue 1 title favourites take on Reims.
Almost three weeks after completing a stunning move from Barcelona on a free transfer, the six-time world player of the year will pull on the PSG shirt for the first time.
PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino said he would not rush Messi into action as the 34-year-old built up his fitness in the French capital, and tonight starts on the bench.
Messi has not played since winning the Copa America with Argentina on July 11 but Pochettino said on Saturday at his pre-match press conference: "He is very motivated.
"He's a great professional who is adapting very fast to his new teammates and to a new context."
👕 Here it is! 😍 #SDRPSG! pic.twitter.com/94Apa9Hx7R
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 29, 2021
Kylian Mbappe, however, starts the game despite the France forward being targeted by Real Madrid.
It has been reported that Real have bid (£146m) for Mbappe, who has scored 133 goals in 174 matches for PSG since joining from Monaco in 2017.
Where to watch Reims vs PSG
TV channel: The match will be televised on BT Sport, with kick-off at 7.45pm BST.
Live stream: UK viewers will be able to watch the match online via the BT Sport app.
