Comparing Lionel Messi’s Barcelona and PSG Debuts Ahead of His Inter Miami Bow

• Lionel Messi made his La Liga debut for FC Barcelona in the 2004/05 season
• The Argentine star made his debut for Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021
• He signed a blockbuster contract with MLS side Inter Miami last Saturday

Lionel Messi has arrived in the United States, and excitement is building for his debut for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).

He is expected to face Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup this coming Friday, with tickets for that clash selling for as much as $110,000.

As Messi prepares for his first professional game as an MLS player, Sports Brief looks at his previous debuts for FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi's FC Barcelona debut

Messi was promoted to Barca’s senior team during the 2004-05 season and made his much-anticipated La Liga debut for the Spanish giants on October 16, 2004, against Espanyol.

A list of players who played for Inter Milan and AC Milan

Football

Manager, Frank Rijkaard, introduced him as a substitute in the 82nd minute of the contest, with the Argentine star replacing veteran midfielder, Deco, per Goal.com.

Messi made history with that appearance, becoming the youngest player to represent Barcelona in an official competition. He was 17 years, 3 months, and 22 days old when he faced their crosstown rivals in that La Liga showdown.

The Argentine had played for the senior team a year before when Barcelona faced FC Porto. That was a friendly match, however, making his appearance against Espanyol his official debut.

Wearing No. 30, he dazzled fans in his brief cameo, showing his ability with the football despite being clearly physically outmatched by the players from the opposition team.

Messi failed to score in the match, which Barcelona won 1-0 at the RCDE Stadium.

Messi's Paris Saint-Germain debut

Messi sent shockwaves across the football world in August 2021 when he announced that he was leaving his long-time club, Barcelona, to join French giants, Paris Saint-Germain.

Tyrell Malacia's net worth, contract, Instagram, salary, age, stats, transfer news

Football

He made his long-awaited debut for PSG on August 29 in the Ligue 1 game against Reims. Just like in his debut for Barcelona, he came off the bench in his debut in France.

Manager, Mauricio Pochettino, introduced the Argentine star in the 66th minute, with Messi replacing his friend and former Barcelona teammate, Neymar Junior, per The Guardian.

It was his first ever club game in his legendary career for a team other than Barcelona.

Fans had to wait until the 78th minute to see Messi’s first run with the ball in a PSG jersey. He tried to connect with Kylian Mbappe several times to unlock the Reims defense but failed to score in the match, which the Parisians won 2-0.

Messi's jersey in demand

Sports Brief recently reported on the veteran's MLS kit becoming the hottest commodity in Miami.

The jersey now carries a substantial price tag of $199 and Messi will wear No. 10 for Inter in MLS.