Lionel Messi is expected to make his PSG debut Sunday when the heavy Ligue 1 favorites travel to Reims for Matchday 4. Messi was named to the bench and not the starting lineup. Follow live updates here. Saturday, PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino said Messi will be in the squad for the game, which comes just before the international break where the Argentine will be with his country for World Cup qualifying. This might be one of our few chances to see Messi alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, with Mbappe potentially on his way to Real Madrid. 

Here's are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:

Storylines

Reims: If they can keep their draw streak going, they'll be quite happy. Reims are 0-3-0 on the season with three draws so far, and they would be thrilled to get a point. The defense has been fairly consistent aide from a wild 3-3 game against Montpellier. They are creating a lot of opportunities in attack, but it will be challenging to do that here with PSG likely dominating the ball. Expect them to prioritize defending and look to go on the counter. 

PSG: The world awaits. Pochettino said on Saturday that "we'll see" if Messi, Neymar and Mbappe start, but if they do, poor Reims. This has all the makings of a blowout that is over by half time. Expect to be dazzled, but if Mbappe doesn't start it could be telling with his potential move to Real Madrid picking up steam. What seems most likely, in terms of Messi, is for him to come off the bench and play a half an hour. PSG will want to be a bit cautious knowing he is likely to play every single minute for Argentina in their three World Cup qualifiers and try to not overwork him so early. In limited minutes, still expect him to make a huge impact.

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How to watch and odds

  • Date: Sunday, Aug. 29 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
  • Location: Stade Auguste-Delaune II
  • TV: beIN Sports | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)    
  • Odds: PSG -590; Draw +650; Reims +1500 (via Caesars Sportsbook) 

Prediction

Messi scores on his debut, Neymar does as well and the visitors record an easy victory while dazzling for nearly 90 minutes. Pick: PSG 4, Reims 0

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