Lionel Messi's PSG debut - in pictures

Manager Mauricio Pochettino said the Argentine was delighted with his reception

Lionel Messi after making his Paris Saint-Germain debut as a substitute in a 2-0 Ligue 1 win over Reims on Sunday, Augst 29. AFP

PSG's Lionel Messi brushes of the challenge of Marshall Munetsi of Reims. AP

PSG's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi after making his debut. AFP

PSG's Lionel Messi, right, sits on the bench before making his first appearance. AFP

PSG's Lionel Messi smiles during the match against Reims. AP

PSG's Lionel Messi in action during the match. AP

Soccer Football - Ligue 1 - Stade de Reims v Paris St Germain - Stade Auguste-Delaune, Reims, France - August 29, 2021 Paris St Germain's Lionel Messi REUTERS / Benoit Tessier

A young supporter holds a sign reading asking for Messi's shirt. AFP

Lionel Messi gestures to supporters as he warms up. AFP

Lionel Messi during the French Ligue 1 match in Reims. EPA

Lionel Messi with Idrissa Gueye. Reuters

Paris Saint-Germain players celebrate after Kylian Mbappe, second right, scored. AP

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe talks tol Messi at the end of the match. AFP

PSG's French forward Kylian Mbappe scores his team's second goal. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe celebrates with Achraf Hakimi after scoring his team's second goal. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino said Lionel Messi was delighted with his reception after making his debut at Reims.

The Argentine came on as a second-half substitute, three weeks after being forced to leave Spanish giants Barcelona.

“The welcome, it was something beautiful to see and hear from our supporters, but also from Reims fans. Messi was very happy about it,” added Pochettino.

“The motivation of the competition is there for everyone, but his presence brings optimism.

“Everyone feels it. It has an influence on the other players.”

Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring after 15 minutes when he got between two Reims defenders to head the ball into the back of the net from a well-weighted Angel Di Maria cross.

With Reims having seen a goal chalked off by VAR, Mbappe added his second three minutes past the hour mark.

Pochettino believed Messi's arrival had a calming influence on his side after he was greeted with enthusiastic cheers from the 6,000 travelling fans.

“I felt it as soon as he came on to the field and his first touches of the ball,” said Pochettino.

“He brought a calmness to the team. It’s very important to get off to a good start, even for him."