Lionel Messi could make his debut appearance for Paris Saint-Germain next weekend against Reims, with the Argentine gearing up for his first game for the club.
Messi, 34, has not taken a game under his belt since joining the French side earlier this month after the expiry of his contract at Barcelona.
PSG boss Maurico Pochettino had rested the superstar in their 4-2 win over Brest on Friday but the attacker, who has headlined an influx of major talents at Parc des Princes this summer, is closing in on his maiden appearance for the Parisans, according to his manager.
“It’s been a very good week for Leo,” Pochettino told ESPN Argentina, after his side’s 4-2 win over Brest on Friday.
“Next week will be a long one, but if all goes well, we hope he can be in the squad and start at a competitive level [against Reims].”
Pochettino also confirmed that the club would not stand in Messi’s way if he elects to link up with the Argentina national team ahead of their Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers next month.
“I have not yet spoken with the selectors,” he added. “But they know that I am pro-selection and that we are to help not only Argentina, but all those nations which involve our players.”
The lure of playing under a fellow countryman is thought to have helped swing Messi towards PSG following his Barca exit, and the 34-year-old will be hopeful to feature in some capacity against Reims.
Having not played since he led Argentina to Copa America glory – his first major senior honour for his country – during the international off-season, he will be hoping to pick up minutes ahead of matches with Venezuela and Bolivia.
