Paris Saint-Germain’s victory begins as Lionel Messi’s arrival looms

Paris Saint-Germain began their Ligue 1 campaign on Saturday with a 2-1 win over promoted Troyes, while anticipating the arrival of six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, who is set to join the French giants Huh.

Messi will hold a news conference on Sunday at 1000 GMT after Barcelona said earlier this week that the 34-year-old Argentine would leave the club.

French daily L’Equipe reported on Friday that Messi is set to join Paris Saint-Germain and the club’s Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino said his compatriot was an “option that was being evaluated.”

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said the club was forced to part ways with Messi because La Liga’s strict financial rules coupled with his high wages could put his future at risk.

Speculation proved to be an unwanted distraction for PSG at the start of Troyes, who took the lead in the ninth minute when Ouled El Hajjam struck goalkeeper Kyler Navas with a firm downward header after a Dylan Chambost corner.

But the visitors, who left Lille the French league title last season, came back with a quick-witted brace as new signing Achraf Hakimi tided Mauro Icardi in the 21st in the 19th minute.

Hakimi, who joined PSG from Inter Milan during the summer break, blasted a brilliant volley from a tight angle before Icardi found the roof of the net with the outside of his foot thanks to good work from Kylian Mbappe .

Mbappe came close twice in the second half as one shot went off the line and PSG were forced to halt in the closing stages before the second flew over the bar.

Earlier in the day, Olympique Lyonnais was held to a 1–1 home draw by Brest, after Islam Slimani canceled Erwin Cardona’s opener for the visitors with his first touch of the ball.

Lille begin their title defense at Metz on Sunday, while Olympique Marseille visits Montpellier in the day’s other standout fixture.

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