PSG ‘present’ Lionel Messi to fans at half-time in Strasbourg clash

Lionel Messi will not play against Strasbourg in PSG’s first Ligue 1 game of the season, but he will be “presented” to fans at half-time.

PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino has said he will not rush Messi after signing from Barcelona earlier this week.

As a result, the Argentine will be forced to watch the sidelines despite having completed training alongside his teammates this week.

Lionel Messi will not play against Strasbourg in PSG’s first Ligue 1 game of the season

However, he will be “presented” to fans at half-time of their clash at Parque des Princes.

Pochettino said in his press conference: “As for when we might see Leo Messi, this is his second day of training after a month since playing the last Copa America game.

“We’re going to take it step by step, getting to know each other and making him feel fit and comfortable so he can make his debut when he’s in great shape.”

Messi trained with his PSG teammates throughout the week as they prepared for their first home game of the season.

However, the 34-year-old has not played a competitive game since winning the Copa America, his first international trophy with Argentina, in July.

Messi trained with his new Paris Saint-Germain teammates this week (above)

But, PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino (above) has said he won’t rush Messi into action

Therefore, Pochettino won’t risk bringing Messi into the squad too early as he will want to avoid any unwanted injury.

So, for this reason, Messi will patiently sit on the sidelines while he waits for his turn to make his Ligue 1 debut.

However, according to Sport, Messi and PSG’s other new signing will be invited to the pitch at half-time to receive their first standing ovation at the Parque des Princes.

Others, including injured Sergio Ramos, will be invited to join the Argentine on the pitch.