Lionel Messi made his much-anticipated Ligue 1 debut for Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday as Kylian Mbappe scored twice to give the capital club a 2-0 victory at Stade de Reims
2021/2022 Ligue 1
0-2
Match Report
The Argentina forward, who joined PSG from Barcelona on a two-year contract earlier this month, came on as a 66th-minute substitute for Brazil striker Neymar for his first outing since winning the Copa America on July 10.
Mbappe, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, headed the opener after 15 minutes before doubling his tally for his third goal this season on the counter after 63 minutes.
Just after going 2-0 up it was the time all the PSG fans had been waiting for when their new signing Messi was brought on to replace his former team-mate Neymar.
Messi was applauded onto the field by the travelling supporters, who had been clapping his warm-ups since the start of the second half. His first touch was also greeted with cheers from the Parisian fans.
PSG maintained their perfect record this season to stay top of the standings with a maximum 12 points.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
10' Mbappe's shot hits the side nets
15' GOAL! Reims 0-1 PSG (Mbappe)
22' Marquinhos' header wide out
29' Mbappe's shot blocked
30' Messi watches this game on bench
41' Moreto Cassama's shot inches wide
44' Yellow Card! Verratti booked
46' Half time Messi watches this game on bench
51' Disallowed! Munetsi scores but the goal is offside
54' Yellow Card! Diallo booked
56' Messi is doing warm-up on the sidelines
62' GOAL! Reims 0-2 PSG (Mbappe)
65' DEBUT! Messi subbed on
76' Mbappe's cross denied
83' Yellow Card! H. Ekitike booked
Line-ups
Reims XI: Y. Abdelhamid, P. Rajković, T. Foket, W. Faes, Moreto Cassamã, M. Munetsi, Gravillon, I. Kebbal, N. Mbuku, D. Lopy, E. Toure
Subs: Berisha, M. Cafaro, M. van Bergen, G. Konan, Y. Diouf, A. Flips, F. Doucouré, H. Ekitike
PSG XI: Wijnaldum, Di Maria, Navas, Verratti, Gueye, Neymar, Marquinhos, Kehrer, Diallo, Mbappe, Hakimi
Subs: Messi, Danilo Pereira, Paredes, Draxler, Kimpembe, Donnarumma, E. Ebimbe, Muinga