Reims (AFP)

"Messi in Reims, it's phew!", Gets carried away Benjamin Muller, a Rémois supporter of Paris Saint-Germain, who obtained a precious ticket to see the debut in Ligue 1 of the Argentinian superstar who entered the game in the 66th minute during the victory of his new (2-0) on behalf of the 4th day Sunday.

"I took a place just after the signing of Messi, 63 euros, before prices soar and soar and soar," laughs in his beard provided Benjamin Muller, 33, seller in multimedia store.

Rémois for nine years, he remains a supporter of PSG, but does not "realize" that he will see "the GOAT" (Greatest of all time, the best of all time).

At the Auguste-Delaune stadium, he will be "next to the Parisian parking lot. It is the first time that I am going to see a match at the Stade de Reims with a PSG jersey," smiles Benjamin.

Denis, 72, has already seen the legendary Raymond Kopa, when he played for Reims in red and white.

"I was very small, I was what, 5 or 6 years old", he remembers, "but this is the first time that I will see the best of the world playing up close".

In the line to access the Jonquet stand, already formed at four hours from kick-off, Loucas, age 11, patient in her black tracksuit from the Stade de Reims.

- "A world event" -

"Even if I come to Reims, I'm very happy to see Messi in real life," he says, intimidated.

These debuts in the city that crowned the kings of France, "everyone has been talking about it since Messi signed for PSG, everyone wanted to come", he laughs in his collector's jersey, red with white sleeves.

The public being connoisseur, "logically, everyone will applaud him", he thinks.

Still, he believes his team can shake Messi's PSG.

"I played ten balls on Reims, if I win, that's 140, so I think we can win," laughs Michel.

Some Rémois, fans of PSG, also went to wait for the Parisians in front of their hotel, the Continental.

"I'm super happy to see Messi, it's a global event, the whole world is watching us now," says Dilan Cakia, 26, nursing student.

"It makes me super happy, and I'm waiting for him to score at least a double," he adds.

This Reims-PSG becomes "a legendary match", estimates the student, "it is perhaps the last time that we will see the trio Mbappé-Neymar-Messi".

Kylian Mbappé, courted by Real Madrid, could leave PSG before the end of the transfer window on Tuesday at midnight.

"So you have to make the most of it and experience the event", concludes Dilan.

© 2021 AFP