Messi makes PSG debut as Mbappe steals show
Lionel Messi made his Paris Saint-Germain debut as a second-half substitute but Kylian Mbappe stole the show with potentially his final goals for the club in a 2-0 victory at Reims on Monday (AEST).
Messi was introduced in the 66th minute at Stade Auguste Delaune, just after Real Madrid target Mbappe had doubled both his and PSG’s tally in the contest with a first-time finish.
The France striker, who had headed his team in front in the first half, helped PSG make it four straight wins at the start of a Ligue 1 campaign for the sixth time in its history as it bids to regain the title lost to Lille last season.
Mauricio Pochettino resisted the temptation to select Messi from the outset, meaning he joined fellow new recruit Gianluigi Donnarumma on the bench, but the wantaway Mbappe was part of a starting line-up that also included Neymar for the first time this season.
Reims was a hospitable host for the visiting superstars, hardly surprising considering it has not won at its own ground in the league since 24 January, a run of 10 games that set an unwanted club record in the top tier.
The home defence kindly allowed Mbappe plenty of space to nod PSG in front in the 16th minute, applying the finishing touch to Angel Di Maria's cross to get his second headed goal in as many outings.
Reims thought it had an equaliser early in the second half when Marshall Munetsi prodded in a loose ball after Keylor Navas had kept out a headed effort from El Bilal Toure, only for a lengthy video assistant referee (VAR) check to eventually rule the scorer offside.
At the other end, Mbappe did manage to stay onside to convert Achraf Hakimi's low delivery in the 63rd minute, quickly followed by Messi's arrival, on in place of Neymar.
Whether it is Mbappe’s last goal for the club remains unclear, amid strong links with a big-money move to Madrid before the transfer window closes.
