LIONEL MESSI finally made his debut for PSG as the Ligue 1 stalwarts PSG ran out 2-0 winners vs Reims thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s brace.
- RESULT: Reims 0-2 PSG
- PSG XI: Navas; Diallo, Hakimi, Kehrer, Marquinos; Gueye, Verratti, Wijnaldum; Di Maria Mbappe, Neymar.
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THAT’S ALL
The final word for the man that most gathered for tonight.
We’ve never had Messi outwith a Barcelona strip at club level.
And for the French league to have him is an unbelievable thing to witness.
There will be plenty more from him throughout the season as PSG fight on all fronts.
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POCH: KYLIAN IS OURS
Mauricio Pochettino says he is ‘very happy’ with Kylian Mbappe and said that football is ‘full of rumours’.
He seemed to suggest there is no movement this summer for the French starlet.
Kylian Mbappé is our player, you know the football industry is full of rumours. Our president and sporting director have been clear. He is with us. I am very happy. One of the most important players in the world
Mauricio Pochettino
SHIRT SWAP
Ekitike ran straight away to shake Messi’s hand at full time.
Before continuing his run to ask for Mbappe’s shirt.
Interesting move. And would Mbappe give away his final shirt?
UPDATED STANDINGS
The new-look Ligue 1 table following tonight’s game.
PSG with the only 100% record in the division after four games.
And the co-best goal difference. They mean business this year.
RAPID GOAL!
Within a few seconds, Gueye spreads a pass down the right and Mbappe tucks home.
MBAPPE FUTURE
A huge, team embrace for Mbappe when he bagged his second goal.
And he had the smile of someone who was quite happy where he is.
Two days left of the window, where will he be playing his football after the international break.
FULL-TIME STATS
Reims with much more of an attacking threat in the second 45 minutes and even had a goal ruled out.
Here’s the numbers behind the match.
Possession: Reims 32% PSG 68%
Shots: Reims 11 PSG 13
On target: Reims 4 PSG 4
Corners: Reims 3 PSG 3
FT: REIMS 0-2 PSG
They came to see the GOAT but it was the superstar prodigy who grabbed the goals.
Messi was given the final 25 minutes and some of his touches were sublime.
But in potentially his final PSG game, Mbappe’s brace ensured PSG’s 100% record remained.
His first was a bullet header to convert a Di Maria cross.
His second an easy tap-in after excellent work from Gueye and Hakimi to lay it on a plate.
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!
FULL-TIME IN REIMS: REIMS 0-2 PSG
REIMS 0-2 PSG
90+5′ Navas down sharp with a good save at his near post with the last kick of the ball.
REIMS 0-2 PSG
90+4′ Two wonderful blocks and tackles from Kimpembe to deny Foket from breaking through.
This would be their first clean sheet of the league campaign if they see it out.
REIMS 0-2 PSG
90+2′ The ball in comes to nothing but PSG retrieve the second ball.
Mbappe goes in behind the back five and looks for Messi who darts to create an angle but the ball to him is cut out.
REIMS 0-2 PSG
90+1′ How Munetsi has avoided a booking is beyond me.
This time it’s a kick to trip Messi up as he burst through the gears driving towards the box.
Mbappe is then fouled twice after the whistle as PSG have a free kick, 35 yards from goal.
REIMS 0-2 PSG
SIX MINUTES ADDED
REIMS 0-2 PSG
89′ Mbappe receives a pass on the right side of the area.
He has two in the box in support, including Messi and he goes in search of his hat-trick but his shot is blocked.
REIMS 0-2 PSG
87′ Paredes gets one back for his pal as he clatters through Munetsi on halfway and is lucky to escape a booking.
A real stop-start feel to this game as we reach the closing stages.
REIMS 0-2 PSG
85′ Taken short to Locko who again sees his delivery headed away comfortably.
Messi brings the ball forward before again being manhandled and thrown to the ground by Munetsi.
REIMS 0-2 PSG
84′ Gueye sloppy in position and is tackled on halfway and Reims break.
Berisha receives a ball down the left channel and wins the corner.
REIMS 0-2 PSG
83′ Ekitike with a shocker of a challenge on Mbappe midway inside the PSG half.
He gets a YELLOW CARD.
REIMS 0-2 PSG
80′ PSG change with 10 to play.
- OFF – Di Maria
- ON – Draxler
MESSI INCOMING
The moment PSG fans have waited for.
This was Messi making his Ligue 1 bow a short time ago.
REIMS 0-2 PSG
78′ Toure is almost played in behind.
It’s played long and he and Navas give chase and the keeper uses good strength to shoulder Toure out the way before doing well not to handle the ball out the area.
Toure stays down and needs treatment.
REIMS 0-2 PSG
77′ First chance for Messi to run at the Reims defence.
He feeds Mbappe down the right channel inside the area and continues his run.
Munetsi throws an arm out to stop his run and catches him in the face. Mbappe tries to pick out Messi again and Munetsi clears.
REIMS 0-2 PSG
76′ Toure receives a pass inside the box and goes to ground.
He does seem to be initiating the contact before simply falling over.
Referee bang there and agrees, no penalty.
SECOND GOAL
Pass of the move, Gueye or Hakimi?
Both stunning I would say.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
