KEY POINTS

  • Messi joined PSG on free transfer this summer
  • PSG have won both their opening league matches
  • Messi's last competitive match was Copa America final

Mauricio Pochettino opened up about Lionel Messi's much-awaited debut with Pairs Saint-Germain (PSG) ahead of their Ligue 1 clash with Brest.

Messi made a switch from FC Barcelona to PSG on a free transfer in the 2021 summer market. He ended his 21-year association with his boyhood club because of financial difficulties.

The Argentina national is yet to play a competitive game since the final of Copa America 2021, which his country won by beating hosts Brazil in the final. However, Messi has been involved in full-fledged training at PSG since his arrival in Paris earlier this month.

"We haven't decided the squad yet. We will assess whether Messi can be a part of it. Everything is positive. There is a good atmosphere in the squad and he has settled in well and quickly. There is a very good feeling," said Pochettino on being asked about Messi's debut on the eve of PSG's game against Brest, BCC Sport reported.

PSG won both their opening matches, against Troyes and Strasbourg respectively. Even Neymar, who had a long vacation following the Copa America final, is yet to feature for PSG in the underway 2021-22 season.

Meanwhile, soccer website Goal has claimed that Messi and Neymar have been left out of PSG's squad for the Brest game on Friday at Stade Francis-Le Blé. The report has further stated that Pochettino is planning to go ahead with a similar squad to the one for PSG's 4-2 victory over Strasbourg last weekend, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Mauro Icardi and Archaf Hakimi all set to feature again.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe at training with PSG on Thursday
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe at training with PSG on Thursday AFP / Bertrand GUAY

There has been a major uncertainty regarding Mbappe's future at PSG as the Frenchman has entered the final year of his contract and has not signed an extension yet.

"Mbappe is our player and I want him to be here this season. 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," added Pochettino.

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