PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino could hand Lionel Messi his debut in Friday’s Ligue 1 game at Brest after the Argentina forward ‘amazed’ his team-mates in first training sessions
Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino has not ruled out Lionel Messi making his much-anticipated debut in Friday’s Ligue 1 game at Brest.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner, 34, joined PSG on a free transfer last week after leaving Barcelona because of their financial difficulties.
Messi sat out of PSG’s 4-2 win over Strasbourg on Sunday as he builds up his fitness following his late return to pre-season training after helping Argentina win the Copa America last month.
Lionel Messi could make his debut for PSG in Friday’s Ligue 1 game at Brest
But the 34-year-old has impressed his team-mates in training this week.
And Pochettino said he was in contention for a place in the match-day squad against Brest on Friday night.
‘We haven’t decided the squad yet,’ boss Mauricio Pochettino said at a press conference on Thursday.
‘We will assess whether Messi can be a part of it.
The Argentina forward ‘amazed’ his PSG team-mates in his first training sessions
‘Everything is positive. There is a good atmosphere in the squad and he has settled in well and quickly. There is a very good feeling.’
French publication L’Equipe reported that Messi had made a huge impact on PSG’s players during his first few training sessions.
One player told L’Equipe that ‘everything seems simple for him’
Pochettino also played down rumours France forward Kylian Mbappe could join Real Madrid this summer.
Pochettino also played down rumours France forward Kylian Mbappe could join Real Madrid
‘Mbappe is our player and I want him to be here this season,’ said Pochettino.
‘He has another year left on his contract. Even if he doesn’t renew it, he is still a PSG player and we are very pleased with him, and from what I can understand he is pleased with us.
‘He is very calm and preparing well for tomorrow’s game.’
