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Eddie Chikamhi-Senior Sports Reporter
BARRING injuries or suspension, Marshall Munetsi is on course for a showdown against Lione Messi, when the Argentine superstar makes his French Ligue 1 debut.
Munetsi’s Stade Reims will host Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain on August 29.
The match is likely to be the one when Messi, considered by some as the greatest footballer in history, could make his debut, for the French Moneybags.
Reports from Europe indicate Messi, who was unveiled to the fans when PSG ran out 4-2 winners over Strasbourg, is still to get the required match fitness, to plunge into action.
Sky Sports reported he is now expected to make his PSG debut in the Ligue 1 clash, away to Reims.
“Messi trained for only the third time on Monday, following his historic switch from Barcelona, and is in the process of reaching head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s high standards of fitness,” reported the news outlet.
“He has not had a full pre-season this summer, having gone all the way to win the Copa America, with Argentina, and then flown straight from his holiday into the Barcelona exit meeting.
“Messi has not managed a proper pre-season, and has missed PSG’s opening two matches of the new Ligue 1 season.
“This Friday’s game (tomorrow) away at Brest is, therefore, likely to come too soon, although Messi could yet travel with the team to the north-west city in Brittany.”
There has been enthusiasm, in French Ligue 1, following the arrival of Messi.
He joins a galaxy of stars who include Brazilian Neymar, sensational French forward Kylian Mbappe, Marco Veratti and Angel di Maria.
PSG chairman, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, described Messi’s arrival as “an amazing and historic day for the club” which will bring the global spotlight on French football.
Munetsi, the Warriors midfielder, said he was excited about the possibility of having to face a football immortal like Messi.
“It is some interesting news, getting to play against Messi is actually a dream come true and also good for the French Ligue,’’ he told our sister newspaper, h-Metro. ‘’I’m so happy, and looking forward to a good season, amongst the best.
“He is one of the football icons and to be playing against him would be one of the greatest moments for me in my career.
“Football is the same it’s all about being confident and believing in your ability and your team and l believe we have that with my team so, yeah, we will be able to face them.
“The focus remains the same to be a better player than l was yesterday.”
Messi said he was excited to link up with Neymar and Mbappe.
“It’s madness to be able to work with such great players on a daily basis,” he was quoted by The Mirror tabloid of the United Kingdom.
“I’m eager to get playing and I’m going to be doing it alongside some of the best players in the world.
“It’s going to be a marvelous experience every day. I hope I can continue to win titles. I have the same hunger as when I was younger.”
Munetsi has featured in three games against the Parisians since he moved to Stade de Reims two years ago.
His first meeting with PSG ended in a 2-0 win, for Reims, in September 2019.
Mbappe played in that game but Neymar was absent.
His second encounter was in the Coupe de la Ligue semi-final, in January 2020 but Munetsi could not finish the game, after he was sent off, in the 73rd minute, following a rough challenge on Verratti.
Reims lost the game 0-3.
He missed the first leg of their Ligue 1 clash in September last year when Reims were beaten 0-2.
Munetsi came back for the return leg, in May this year, in a 0-4 thrashing for his team with both Neymar and Mbappe on target for the Parisians.
The 25-year-old Munetsi, who is already sitting on a yellow card, should avoid further bookings when they travel to Metz this Sunday.
Online Reporter
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