VIDEO: Fans have to wait little longer as PSG’s Messi unlikely to play against Strasbourg
- 13 Aug 2021
Gulf Today Report
With fans in France eager to see Lionel Messi making his PSG debut against Strasbourg in Ligue 1 on Saturday, coach Mauricio Pochettino says he will not rush the former Barcelona star into action.
Pochettino also asked the fans to wait for a few more days to see Messi taking the field.
The six-time world player of the year signed a two-year deal with the French giants on Wednesday.
Messi met his new teammates and attended a training session with them on Friday, ending his 21-year-association with Barcelona.
“As for when we might see Leo Messi in action, it is his second day of training after a month since he played the last game at the Copa America.
“We will take things step by step, get to know each other and have him feel fit and comfortable so that he is able to make his debut when he is fully fit.”
PSG, who surrendered the French League title to Lille last season, edged past Troyes 2-1 in their opening match last weekend.
Messi mentioned a reunion with his old Barcelona teammate Neymar as a key factor in his decision to sign a contract with PSG and insists that he is “in the right place” as he eyes more Champions League glory with the club.
The Argentine, who bolster the PSG squad, which already consists of football aces Neymar and Kylian Mbappe said, “My goal is to lift more Champions League Trophy and I firmly believe that I am in the right place to achieve that. ”
The 34-year old reportedly signed the deal with PSG for $41m annually and will be wearing the number 30 jersey.
Messi received a hero’s welcome after arriving in the France’s capital on Tuesday.
Teaming up with the France World Cup hero Mbappe and his former teammate Neymar, Messi’s arrival further added to formidable attacking options at the club.
He became the most high-profile free agent in the history of football after his attempts to stay at Barcelona were rejected.
