Messi hails 'incredible' reception as PSG unveil all 5 summer signings

PSG introduced the six-time Ballon d’Or winner and his fellow summer recruits in style before a Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg.

Lionel Messi couldn’t make his Paris Saint-Germain debut on Saturday, but he still made headlines as the club’s supporters welcomed their new summer signings in style at the Parc des Princes.

Prior to a Ligue 1 clash with Strasbourg, PSG introduced all five of their new players – Messi, Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Achraf Hakimi – to the fans.

Only Wijnaldum and Hakimi have played for the club so far, but it did nothing to dampen the excitement in Paris. The fans greeted all the new players warmly and, unsurprisingly gave Messi a huge ovation.

“It has been a very special week. I want to thank everybody for their welcome,” said Messi.

“It was incredible. I feel so happy, hopeful, and delighted to be experiencing this new stage. I hope we can enjoy this year.”

When could Messi make his debut?

Mauricio Pochettino has given no potential date yet for when Messi could make his debut. The PSG coach intends to take things one step at a time as the forward works his way back to fitness.

Of course, Messi has only just returned to training. He took an extended summer holiday after playing in the Copa America for Argentina, and then there were the failed contract talks with Barcelona.

“It’s been a month since he played his last game, the Copa America final,” said Pochettino last Friday. “We will take it step by step, getting to know one another. Our priority is for him to be in good shape, feel good and when he is in top condition make his debut.”