Lionel Messi’s performance was considered normal in his debut match with Paris Saint-Germain. However, coach Mauricio Pochettino did not mind that.
Messi has actually joined Paris Saint-Germain since early August. But, he has not been included in the squad at all because his condition is not fit.
Understandably, Messi has not even participated in the pre-season session because he is still on vacation after the Copa America. In addition, Messi’s contract with Barcelona has expired so he can no longer train.
Therefore, Messi has not played in PSG’s last two matches and is focused on recovering his condition with the coaching team. It was only when PSG visited the Stade de Reims headquarters, Monday (30/8/2021) early in the morning WIB, Messi entered the squad.
This is the moment PSG fans have been waiting for and the wait was over when Messi came on for Neymar in the 66th minute.
Unfortunately for less than half an hour on the pitch, Messi was unable to score a goal. He only had time to do a 1-2 bait action with Kylian Mbappe but was thwarted by the opponent.
PSG won 2-0 through Kylian Mbappe’s pair of goals. Therefore, PSG fans still have to wait two more weeks to witness Messi’s action and of course his debut goal.
Despite failing to score goals, Messi’s performance did not worry Pochettino. Because, he knows Lionel Messi needs time to return to his best condition.
“He is already good. I am very happy to see his debut. It is very important for him. He is still not at his best, but he is training very well,” Pochettino was quoted as saying by the IB Times.
“He will be even better after the international break. We wish him the best.”
(mrp/aff)
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