French season marches on as fans await Messi debut at PSG

Paris, August 12

Negotiations on Lionel Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain took just a few days. Expect a longer wait for his debut.

The 34-year-old Argentina star had just returned from vacation when Barcelona announced it couldn’t afford to keep him, opening the door for PSG. Messi is now under contract for at least two seasons in the French capital.

Messi told a news conference on Wednesday that it’s up to PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino when he plays, but noted he’s had “no real training sessions” for a month.

“I hope it will be as soon as possible,” he said.

“I can’t give you a date. It will depend on the training and how it feels and when the coaches think I’m ready.”

After spending his career at Barcelona, Messi said he’s looking forward to “discovering new teams and new stadiums” in Ligue 1.

The wait is on. Meanwhile, the French league season enters its second round this weekend.

PSG PLOWS ON

Messi’s new team hosts Strasbourg on Saturday night at Parc des Princes stadium. Messi is expected to be presented to the 50,000 faithful before kickoff.

PSG striker Mauro Icardi, who could eventually lose playing time to countryman Messi, scored in the season-opening 2-1 win last Saturday over promoted Troyes. New defender Achraf Hakimi, who joined from Italian champion Inter Milan for 60 million euros ($70.5 million), also scored.

Pochettino wasn’t happy with his team’s defending last week but Strasbourg doesn’t figure to be a roadblock for a PSG team intent on reclaiming the French title this season. AP