Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have been named to Paris Saint-Germain’s 22-man squad, which will face Reims on Sunday night.

It could be Messi’s first appearance as a PSG player since arriving at Parc des Princes earlier this month, while Mbappe feels like he’s being kept against his will after Real Madrid’s two applications for the striker.

Messi ended his 21-year relationship with Barcelona in early August and left as a free agent after the Catalan club failed to fulfill their offer for a new contract. The Argentine international then signed a two-year contract with PSG after an emotional farewell at Nou Camp.

Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Lionel Messi was introduced to PSG fans at Parc des Princes after making his move to Ligue 1. (Photo credit: PSG TV)

The 34-year-old did not do any pre-season preparation, but trained with Mauricio Pochettino’s squad to get fit again after a long summer break after his country’s triumph at the Copa America.

He was introduced to fans along with other PSG summer signings Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Georginio Wijnaldum at their first home game of the season, a 4-2 win over Strasbourg.


Image:
Messi joined PSG in one of the most sensational football transfers of all time in early August

In his pre-game press conference, PSG boss Pochettino said he would not rush Messi as the 34-year-old built his strength.

Pochettino said: “He [Messi] is very motivated. He’s a great professional who adapts very quickly to his new teammates and to a new context. “

Mbappe, who scored a goal in Paris’ win over Brest last Friday, is subject to Real Madrid’s continued interest as the summer transfer window draws to a close.

The La Liga club have a second bid of $ 170 million.

Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Kaveh Solhekol report that a deal where Kylian Mbappe would join Real Madrid from PSG is not near and the Spanish club are starting to feel that it might be better to wait until January before breaking up approaches the French star again.

Real Madrid could also wait until January if they have the option to sign Mbappe on a pre-contract deal that would transfer him to Los Blancos for free next summer when his PSG deal expires.

The 22-year-old world champion has turned down PSG attempts to sign him under a new contract, telling the French side his dream is to play for Real Madrid.

Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

French football expert Jonathan Johnson says Real Madrid will have to return with a better offer if Kylian Mbappe is to be signed from Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Leonardo stood firm after the two offers, the first of which (valued at £ 137million) was rejected, with Leonardo saying the striker will only be sold on the club’s terms.

Since moving from Monaco in 2017, Mbappe has helped the club to eleven major national awards and scored 133 goals in 174 games for PSG.

Pochettino’s side aim to recapture the Ligue 1 title after Lille won the French premier league last season and have started their 2021/22 season strong with three out of three wins.

They meet on Sunday (kick-off 7.45 p.m.) against Reims, who drew with Nice in the opening game, drew 3: 3 against Montpellier and 1: 1 against Metz at the start of the season.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR