Lionel Messi fails to make an impact off the bench in PSG's 4-0 win over Reims

PSG thrashed Reims 4-0 with Lionel Messi starting on the bench. In the 63rd minute of the game, the Argentine superstar could not make an impact after coming off the bench.

After testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this year, Messi returned to the squad. On the other hand, the Argentine superstar had to make do with a spot on the bench. Due to the absence of a few key players, Mauricio Pochettino went with a front three of Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria, and Mauro Icardi. Sergio Ramos, a Spanish defender, also made his comeback, starting his second league game last summer since joining Les Parisiens.

Pochettino's side dominated control of the ball in the first half, as expected. Pochettino's side had several chances to break the deadlock, with Di Maria, Mbappe, and Danilo Pereira missing good opportunities. Hugo Ekitike's header in the 35th minute also came close for Reims.

In the 44th minute, though, an unusual source opened the score when Marco Verratti followed up Icardi's attempt by driving the ball home off the goal frame. Pochettino's side took a deserved lead thanks to the Italian's first goal of the season.

The second half began similarly to the first, with PSG controlling most of the possession. On the other hand, Reims missed a fantastic chance to draw level when Dion Lopy blazed his drive over the bar after Nathanael Mbuku forced a good save from Keylor Navas. Pochettino's side doubled their advantage less than five minutes later due to the error.

In the 62nd minute of the game, Sergio Ramos took advantage of some careless defence to smash the ball home and extend PSG's lead. The goal would set the tone for the French side, as Verratti's shot was deflected for an own goal by Wout Faes less than five minutes later.

In the 75th minute, Faes was again in the wrong place at the wrong time, as Danilo Pereira's strike bounced off the defender and into the nett to make it 4-0. PSG had a chance to score a fifth late in the game, but Mauro Icardi's strike was disallowed for a handball, and Lionel Messi pushed one over the bar.

PSG extended their advantage at the top of Ligue 1 to 11 points with a 4-0 victory. At this rate, Pochettino's side appears to be well on its approach to reclaiming the league crown.

In the 63rd minute of the game, Lionel Messi came on to replace Angel Di Maria, but the Argentine made a very improbable comeback. The attacker has not played for the French team since Lorient's 1-1 draw on December 23rd.

Lionel Messi attempted only one shot in the game's waning minutes, and he only completed 74% of his passes.