Sat | Jan 3, 2026

No clear date for Messi’s PSG debut

Published:Friday | August 13, 2021 | 12:08 AM
Lionel Messi holds his jersey after a press conference where he was unveiled as Paris Saint-Germain’s newest player at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France, on Wednesday.
AP
Lionel Messi holds his jersey after a press conference where he was unveiled as Paris Saint-Germain’s newest player at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France, on Wednesday.

PARIS, France (AP):

Negotiations on Lionel Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) took just a few days. Expect a longer wait for his debut.

The 34-year-old Argentina star had just returned from vacation when Barcelona announced they couldn’t afford to keep him, opening the door for PSG. Messi is now under contract for at least two seasons in the French capital.

Messi told a news conference on Wednesday that it’s up to PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino when he plays, but noted he’s had “no real training sessions” for a month. He participated in training yesterday.

“I hope it will be as soon as possible,” he said at the news conference. “I can’t give you a date. It will depend on the training and how it feels and when the coaches think I’m ready.”

After spending his career at Barcelona, Messi said he’s looking forward to “discovering new teams and new stadiums” in Ligue 1.

The wait is on. Meanwhile, the French league season enters its second round this weekend.

PSG PLOWS ON

Messi’s new team hosts Strasbourg on Saturday night at Parc des Princes. Messi is expected to be presented to the 50,000 faithful before kick-off.

PSG striker Mauro Icardi, who could eventually lose playing time to countryman Messi, scored in the season-opening 2-1 win over promoted Troyes on Saturday. New defender Achraf Hakimi, who joined from Italian champion Inter Milan for €60 million, also scored.

Pochettino wasn’t happy with his team’s defending last week but Strasbourg doesn’t figure to be a roadblock for a PSG team intent on reclaiming the French title this season.