Xtra Time Web Desk: Lionel Messi made his debut for Paris Saint Germain (PSG) on Sunday in the Ligue 1 game against Reims. Messi came in for his former Barcelona teammate Neymar in the 66th minute. The Argentine superstar was given a warm welcome on the pitch by a modest crowd at Stade Auguste Delaune.
Messi was cheered by the home fans as they chanted “Messi, Messi” while a smiling Reims goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic took a photo of Messi holding a child after the game.
PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino was also touched by the reception for Messi, pointing out that supporters of both teams were delighted to see him play.
“The welcome he got was something beautiful to see and hear, on the part of our fans but also the Reims fans,” Pochettino said. Before the match, hundreds of fans gathered for a glimpse of Messi as he descended the team bus and he waved back at them.
That was the last time Messi won Europe’s elite trophy and, somewhat ironically, his last goal for Barca in the Champions League was a brilliant strike away to PSG last season in the round of 16.
The 34-year-old Messi joined PSG three weeks ago after his new contract with Barcelona fell through.
Kylian Mbappe scored both the goals for PSG. He headed in Angel Di Maria’s cross in the 15th minute and then turned in Achraf Hakimi’s cross in the 63rd for his 135th goal since joining PSG in 2017.
It remains to be seen whether it was the last game for Mbappe for PSG.