PARIS: Lionel Messi will have to wait for his Paris Saint-Germain debut.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino informed that he would not rush Messi - who began training with his new teammates this week - and would wait until he is fully fit, with the forward having not played since he lifted the Copa America for his nation in mid-July.

In fact, the last time Messi played was when they saw off Brazil on July 10 in Rio.

Le Parisiens face Brest on Friday in an 'away game' as they look to continue their 100 percent record in Ligue 1.

But the club's new No.30 is set to watch from afar in the French capital.

Coach Pochettino said Messi had "settled in well" and there was a "good atmosphere in the squad".

The full squad for #SB29PSG! ???????????? pic.twitter.com/UULSO1rIzB

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 20, 2021

In not naming Messi for Friday's game it leaves the world yet again to speculate if the Argentine great will debut on Sunday, August 29 away to Reims before the international break. 

As said the sooner the better as after the next two matches - Brest and Reimes - there will be an international break where Messi will likely be with his national team for World Cup qualifiers. If he doesn't feature before then, all signs point to September 19 against Lyon, but that being a month away seems quite unlikely. Till then the wait continues.