Lionel Messi: Argentine star has to wait before making PSG debut

Paris St-Germain faithful will have to wait before they can see Lionel Messi make his much-anticipated debut after being left out for Friday’s Ligue 1 game at Brest.

Messi, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner aged 34, joined PSG on a free transfer last week after leaving Barcelona because the Catalans’ financial situation could not accommodate the Argentine due to La Liga restrictions.

He has not played since winning the Copa America with Argentina in July but he has been in full training with his new club – PSG.

Boss Mauricio Pochettino, who has dismissed rumours of an imminent move of forward Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid, has told the media that Messi had “settled in well” and there was a “good atmosphere in the squad”.

“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.”

Neymar and Sergio Ramos, who joined on a free transfer from Real Madrid, are also left out of the match.