Lionel Messi Refused To Give Shirt To Reims Player After PSG Debut

A Reims player has failed to achieve one significant goal in Lionel Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain debut.

Over 20,000 fans in attendance were fortunate enough to witness Messi finally play his first-ever PSG match on Sunday against Reims.

The Argentine entered the game as a sub for his former Barcelona teammate Neymar after 66 minutes of football.

Messi didn’t manage to score a goal in his debut for the Parisians, but everyone in the game--including Reims defender Andrew Gravillon--was thrilled to have shared the pitch with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Speaking to reporters post-match, Gravillon revealed that he went to Messi after the game to ask for his shirt but his effort was to no avail.

“He’s impressive,” Gravillon said of Messi. “Last year we were watching him play the [UEFA] Champions League, now it’s a pleasure to have him in our league and it’s also a pleasure to challenge him.”

“I went to see him to get his shirt for my little brother, but he didn’t give it to me. Maybe next time I’ll get lucky.”

PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino, on the other hand, was quizzed to reveal his thoughts on Messi’s seemingly unusual maiden appearance.

According to Pochettino, the 34-year-old was “far from his best” at the moment but can surely be “better” in no time.

"He's been good,” Pochettino told Amazon Prime after the game. “I'm very happy to see him make his debut. It was important for him. He is far from his best form, but he is training very well. He will be better after the [international] break. We expect the best from him."

As for the impact of Messi’s “good start,” Pochettino bared that it signaled a great season ahead as the player’s presence “brought serenity” to the entire team.

"[Messi] brought serenity to the team,” the manager explained. “It's important to get off to a good start, even for him," the PSG head coach said after Messi's maiden appearance. He was happy and he is well integrated into the group. It was a matter of common sense not to start him in this game.”

"The welcome was something very beautiful to see and hear, from our supporters but also from the fans of Reims. Messi was very happy about it,” he added. "The motivation for competition is there for everyone, but his presence brings optimism. Everyone feels it, he has an influence on the other players."