Lionel Messi will not make his debut for Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday's Ligue 1 clash with Strasbourg.
The Argentine was presented to the French club's supporters alongside fellow new signings Achraf Hakimi, Georginio Wijnaldum, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sergio Ramos ahead of kickoff in Paris.
New signings presentation ❤️💙
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 14, 2021
Excited? 🤩#NewDiamondsInParis pic.twitter.com/1n9kLNjj5J
Hakimi and Wijnaldum have been named in the starting XI for the clash with Strasbourg, but Messi, Ramos and Donnarumma have been left out of the squad.
On Friday, PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino suggested that the former Barcelona attacker would not be involved at the weekend, as he has only just returned to training following his involvement in the Copa America.
"Today was his second training session since the Copa America final. The priority for him is to feel better and better. Only then will we see if he is ready to play matches," said Pochettino.
Meanwhile, Messi provided an update on his fitness on Wednesday: "I've been on holiday and haven't trained for a month. I would imagine I'll have to do an individual pre-season, train well and, when I'm ready, start playing."
PSG, who are next in action away to Brest on August 20, opened their Ligue 1 season with a 2-1 victory over Troyes on August 7.
Matt Law
