Paris (AFP)

The hoped-for debut of superstar Lionel Messi with Paris SG, Sunday in Reims, gives a historic character to the 4th day of Ligue 1, which Lille and Marseille would like to take advantage of to revive after a difficult pass.

- The player: Lionel Messi -

Royal baptism in Reims: not far from the cathedral which housed the coronation of many monarchs of France, Lionel Messi should play his first minutes as a Parisian on Sunday (9:00 p.m.).

The event, with global repercussions, marks the beginning of a new era for PSG and the French Championship, which has never seen a player of such caliber pass.

This summer, the six-time Golden Ball, considered one of the best footballers in history, arrived free from FC Barcelona, ​​whose colors he had worn since he was 13 years old.

Exempted from the two PSG matches played since his arrival, to get back to physical level after his leave, the 34-year-old Argentinian has integrated well into the Parisian locker room.

He releases "an incredible energy", underlined his trainer Mauricio Pochettino who sees him "happy".

Now it is the public who want to appreciate the phenomenon, which should be lined up alongside Neymar.

What about Kylian Mbappé?

The soap opera of his future has seen twists and turns in the week, PSG evoking for the first time his departure before the end of the transfer window on August 31.

- The number: 8 -

In four matches, Lille have already conceded eight goals ... or as many as in the first twelve days of last season.

Le Losc, who changed their N.1 goalkeeper and coach this summer, lost the defensive benchmarks that allowed them to be crowned last May.

Result: the Northerners have still not won a single match, before hosting Montpellier on Sunday (5:00 p.m.).

But the technician Jocelyn Gourvennec believes that his team is on "the right track", especially as the new goalkeeper Ivo Grbic was reassuring during his first in Saint-Etienne (1-1) on Saturday.

- The match: Marseille - Saint-Etienne -

The poster between Marseille and Saint-Etienne, Saturday (9:00 p.m.), opposes two of the most beautiful achievements of French football, which achieve an encouraging month of August.

On the one hand, OM is showing progress with coach Jorge Sampaoli who relies on influential recruits, such as Matteo Guendouzi and Cengiz Under, to apply his grinta on the pitch.

The Turkish striker of OM Cengiz Under during a friendly match against Villarreal, on July 31, 2021 at the Stade Vélodrome Christophe SIMON AFP

On the other hand, the Greens are solid, with three draws in as many games, like their young goalkeeper Etienne Green.

But both teams are missing a victory to really get started.

The Marseillais, four points, need it all the more because they have lived a hectic week, after the violence of supporters which led to the end of the match in Nice last Sunday.

The Stéphanois, they will not be able to count on their fans at the Vélodrome stadium, due to a decree from the Ministry of the Interior which prohibits their travel to Marseille.

© 2021 AFP