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FOOTIE legend Lionel Messi made his long-awaited Paris Saint-Germain debut... and barely touched the ball!

The Barcelona legend came off the bench to make his Ligue 1 bow in Mauricio Pochettino's side's 2-0 victory against Reims.

Substitute Lionel Messi had to wait for his PSG debut
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Substitute Lionel Messi had to wait for his PSG debutCredit: AFP
The Argentine icon received a wonderful reception in Reims
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The Argentine icon received a wonderful reception in ReimsCredit: AFP

Messi, 34, replaced Neymar in the 66th minute - his first appearance for the French giants since his emotional Nou Camp exit.

Excitement had been growing throughout Sunday after PSG boss Pochettino named the Argentine hero in his squad for the game.

Messi completed his free transfer from Barca to PSG in August after the cash-strapped Spaniards were forced to release him for financial reasons.

Many fans were hoping to see the iconic forward start against Reims but his new gaffer decided to introduce him from the bench instead.

Messi received a wonderful reception from fans inside the Stade Auguste-Delaune when he warmed-up for the first time in the 57th minute.

But that was nothing to the applause that echoed around the ground when he was introduced, a moment PSG fans thought they'd never see.

PSG took the lead in the 16th minute through Kylian Mbappe, who may have played his last game for the club.

The World Cup winner has one year left on his existing deal, with Real Madrid reportedly preparing a £154million offer.

The goal was choreographed by Angel Di Maria, delivering a gorgeous left-footed cross from the right flank.

Mbappe couldn't miss, heading home his 134th goal - but not his last - for the French club.

PSG made a sloppy start to the second half and were almost made to pay when Reims thought they'd equalised in the 51st minute.

Zimbabwean midfielder Marshall Munetsi found the back of the net with a tap-in but the goal was disallowed for offside after a lengthy VAR review.

Messi showed glimpses of his incredible ability in his PSG debut
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Messi showed glimpses of his incredible ability in his PSG debutCredit: Reuters

And Mbappe then settled the game by scoring an excellent second goal just after the hour mark, converting a neat low cross from Achraf Hakimi.

Messi had to wait ten minutes for a chance to impress - but didn't waste the opportunity when it came.

The Barca legend snatched the ball in the middle of the park before making one of his trademark runs and feeding Mbappe.

Although it didn't produce a goal - or even a shot - it was still a glimpse of what Messi can produce for his new club.

The game finished 2-0 and PSG supporters will be excited to see Messi grace the Parc des Princes turf against Clermont Foot on September 12.

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Messi trains with fellow PSG teammates for the first time
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