Messi: Micah Richards Professes Love for Inter Miami Star Ahead of PSG's UCL Opener

• PSG began their Champions League campaign without Lionel Messi for the first time in two years
• Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi scored to give the Parisians the victory over Borussia Dortmund
• Messi received a message of love from a former Manchester City star ahead of PSG's UCL match

Lionel Messi's name is still being spoken with love and reverence at Paris Saint-Germain despite leaving the club at the end of last season.

PSG began their UEFA Champions League campaign without Messi for the first time in two years after he left at the expiration of his contract after two years with the French giants.

He joined Inter Miami after turning down a potential world record offer from Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, while his former club Barcelona could not afford to bring him back.

His presence has transformed the US franchise into one of the most feared teams in Major League Soccer and he has already guided the club to the inaugural Leagues Cup.

Enzo Fernandez aims swipe at PSG after claiming Messi is happier in Miami

Football

Richards professes love for Messi

Messi's relationship with PSG strained before he departed but that hasn't stopped CBS Sports Golazo pundit, Micah Richards from speaking well of him amid a game involving his former club.

The former Manchester City star interrupted his colleague, Guillem Balague - who was at Parc des Princes - and screamed, "Messi, I love you", leaving his colleagues in stitches.

As reported by Daily Star, Richards did not take sides in the GOAT debate but analysed both players based on his experience of playing against them. He said the Argentine was tougher to face than the Portuguese.

PSG started their Group F campaign with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi. In the other game, AC Milan and Newcastle United settled for a goalless draw.

Messi and Ronaldo sent brutal messages

Sports Brief also reported on Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi receiving a brutally honest message from a former Chelsea star as the UCL kicked off without them for the first time in 20 years.

Terry Phelan admitted both veterans would be missed but also stated life went on without them in the competition after both exited Europe for Saudi Arabia and the United States, respectively.