In Pics: Lionel Messi's PSG era finally gets underway with win over Reims

Before the match, hundreds of fans gathered for a glimpse of Lionel Messi as he descended the team bus and he waved back at them. They wanted to see one of the all-time greats, along with Pele and the late Diego Maradona, who Messi adored. (Photo: Reuters)

Lionel Messi's incredible skill, close control, grace, vision, dancing feet, astute passing, speed of thought and execution have thrilled fans for years. He has netted 672 goals for Barca and won 35 trophies for the Spanish giant, including the 2015 Champions League alongside Neymar. (Source: Twitter)

PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino was touched by the reception for Lionel Messi, pointing out that supporters of both teams were delighted to see him play. "The welcome he got was something beautiful to see and hear, on the part of our fans but also the Reims fans," Pochettino said. (Source: Twitter)

Lionel Messi replaced his friend and former Barcelona teammate Neymar in the 66th minute and they shared a hug. Such is Messi's star factor that the home fans chanted 'Messi, Messi' while a smiling Reims goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic took a photo of Messi holding a child after the game. (Source: Twitter)

Argentina's Lionel Messi makes his debut for Paris-Saint Germain against Reims in a Ligue 1 fixture on Sunday (August 29) night. The record six-time Ballon d'Or winner and four-time Champions League victor made his first PSG appearance at the modest 20,000-seater Stade Auguste Delaune in Reims city of France. (Photo: Reuters)