Lionel Messi has officially been announced as a Paris Saint-Germain player having penned a two-year deal after his Barcelona contract expired this summer.
After more than two decades at the Catalan outfit, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner flew into Paris on Tuesday after agreeing personal terms with the Ligue 1 giants.
Thousands of fans flocked to both the airport and the Parc Des Princes to greet the Argentine, with many eager to see the 34-year-old to make his debut, but when will it be?
Messi PSG Debut: When will Messi play his first game?
Messi is likely to make his debut in PSG's second game of the season this weekend after he declared "I am ready to start now" in a recent press conference. PSG host Strasbourg on Saturday, 14th August with the game kicking-off at 8pm BST.
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It's unlikely to be a taxing game for Messi or the star-studded PSG side -- Strasbourg finished 15th out of 20 teams in Ligue 1 last season and lost their first game of season at home to Angers 2-0, leaving them bottom of the league.
Last weekend, Mauricio Pochettino's side were without Neymar when they overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat Troyes courtesy of goals from Achraf Hakimi and Mauro Icardi.
How To Watch Messi's PSG Debut On UK TV
BT Sport own the rights to Ligue 1 games in the UK, so it's the place to go to watch his first game.
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Other upcoming PSG fixtures include:
- Brest vs PSG - Friday, 20th August at 8pm BST
- Reims vs PSG - Sunday, 29th August at 7:45pm BST
- PSG vs Clermont Foot - Sunday, 12th September. Kick-off time is TBD
PSG unveiled Messi on Wednesday morning, with the Argentine affirming his aim to win silverware with the club and the Champions League is at the top of his list.
He's primed to form one of the most dangerous attacking tridents in world football with Kylian Mbappe and former Barca colleague Neymar.
The Argentina international will don the number 30 shirt number 30 shirt, having allegedly rejected Neymar's offer to take the iconic number 10 shirt, as the pair look to reunite.
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Messi has reportedly agreed a two-year contract that includes the option for a third and will see him earn at least €25million per year. Not too shabby that, eh?
During a tearful press conference on Sunday, the 34-year-old said an emotional goodbye to the Catalans after 21 years, 34 major trophies and 672 goals in 778 appearances.
But will he be able to replicate that same form in a PSG strip? Only time will tell.
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Paris Saint-Germain, Ligue 1, Lionel Messi
