Though Neymar and Messi weren't ready for the game, PSG still had the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Achraf Hakimi and Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum in its starting lineup.
As Barcelona continues adjusting to life without Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann gets his best chance yet to take a leading role at the Catalan club.
The post-Lionel Messi era began for Barcelona with fans chanting his name in the stands and players overcoming his absence on the field.
While Paris Saint-German fans chanted Messi's name upon his ceremonial introduction at Parc des Princes, the Barcelona faithful are still adjusting to the reality that he's gone.
Messi watched it all from the stands alongside his new and former teammate Neymar
Ancelotti added that 42 years of experience in football taught him that anything can happen.
Lionel Messi attended his first training session since signing for Paris Saint-German on Thursday.
Messi told a news conference on Wednesday that it's up to PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino when he plays, but noted he's had “no real training sessions" for a month.
Securing an elusive first triumph in Europe's elite club competition will be the immediate target for the Argentina forward
Pérez released a statement denying any connection with Messi’s departure after being linked to it by a former Barcelona official who resigned because of the club’s failure to keep the star player.
The 34-year-old Argentina star joined PSG on a two-year contract with the option for a third season after leaving Barcelona and was unveiled at a news conference at Parc des Princes stadium.
Qatari-backed PSG has been desperate to win the Champions League, falling just short when it lost the 2020 final to Bayern Munich. Messi helped Barcelona win four Champions League trophies.
Although Messi's considerable wage bill is no longer an issue for the club, Barca have not been able to register any of their summer signings into their squad to compete in La Liga.
Messi spoke Wednesday at his introductory news conference at Parc des Princes stadium.
For the first time since 2004, Barcelona will be without Messi because it couldn’t sign the Argentina star to a new contract due to its troubled financial situation.
The French club said in a statement that the 34-year-old Argentina star signed a two-year deal with the option for a third season.
Dozens of PSG fans gathered at Le Bourget Airport in Paris to welcome Messi, who was wearing a T-shirt featuring “Ici c’est Paris” — “Here is Paris.”
The 34-year-old Argentina star is set to agree a two-year contract with the option for a further season
Messi's departure is a massive blow to Barca's morale, but if coach Ronald Koeman is able to organise his team well and the team is not badly affected by injuries, it may not be a fatal one.
If Lionel Messi does become the latest star PSG star, manager Mauricio Pochettino must work out the best way to accommodate him in a top-heavy attack.
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