Lionel Messi's debut: press review

"Messi, it's a go!"  was L’Equipe's headline regarding La Pulga's first steps in Ligue 1 which were "applauded and scrutinised by everyone." "The date of his debut will remain. Forever" added the French daily, noting the opening of "a major chapter in the history of football in France." They added that, "the Reims fans were on their feet to welcome the genius...all eyes of the 20,525 fans were fixed on him making it an unusual atmosphere for an opposing player but one that fits with his legend." "Surely the arrival of an opposing player had never been given such an ovation on a football pitch in France," Le Parisien wrote. "Each time the Argentine's name was mentioned, a wave of excitement and applause ran round the stadium."

In his native Argentina, the media covered the first moves of Paris Saint-Germain's new number 30. "An historic day for world football, Lionel Messi's first game for PSG," wrote Clarin, adding it was "an unforgettable day for the sport and the legendary city which crowned a new king of France." The Buenos Aires daily talked about "Messimanía in action, a phenomenon which transcends all social classes" and notes the special link between the country and the Club, from Carlos Bianchi to the six-time Ballon d'Or winner via Mauricio Pochettino: "It's a love affair between Argentina and France reincarnated in Messi."

Broadcast by 55 TV stations across the world, the game was followed particularly closely in Spain where Messi had spent his career up till now. AS talked of "total madness in Reims" and "a moment which changes the course of football." "It's an historic day, Leo Messi is wearing a new shirt," commented Marca. In England, The Mirror talked of "a new era starting", as did ESPN: "The Lionel Messi era has started at Paris Saint-Germain,"  summing up nicely a significant day in the Club's history.