When might Messi make his PSG debut?

Lionel Messi is closing in on his move to Paris Saint-Germain, with the Argentine having flown from Barcelona to the French capital to undergo his medical and sign his contract, but thoughts have already turned towards when he might make his debut for the Ligue 1 giants.

The 34-year-old did not train with Barcelona after returning from the Copa America and instead has been doing his own workout routines at home, so PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino and his coaching team will need to create a mini pre-season for Messi so that he is not thrown into the deep end without the requisite preparation.

It is expected that Messi's move to PSG will be announced this Tuesday, August 10, and he will then be presented by the club on Wednesday. Therefore, given that he has not had a pre-season and will have only had a couple of training sessions, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner is not likely to feature in Saturday's Ligue 1 match at home to Strasbourg.

Messi's PSG debut

However, Le Parisien report that Messi could be in the stands at the Parc des Princes for the Strasbourg game. The following weekend PSG travel to take on Brest in north-western France, but again Messi is not expected to play.

The Paris-based newspaper claim that he might make his debut when PSG face Reims away from home in Ligue 1 on August 29. Should that still come too soon, Messi's first game could be in front of PSG's home supporters against newly promoted Clermont Foot on the weekend of September 12.

Dates Messi should circle in the calendar

In terms of big games that Messi can look forward to, PSG welcome Lyon to the Parc des Princes on September 19 in what will likely be one of the Argentine's first matches for his new side. This is just a few days after PSG's opening Champions League group-stage match, too.

Then, towards the end of October there are back-to-back games against Marseille in Le Classique - which should be even spicier than usual - and Lille. The Marseille clash will be at the Velodrome before the Lille match is held back in Paris.

Messi will then be able to say hello to his good friend Cesc Fabregas when PSG take on Monaco at the Parc des Princes on the weekend of December 12.