PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino says Lionel Messi has created a positive mood in the team

Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Friday that the arrival of Lionel Messi has created a positive mood at the Ligue 1 club, but he is unlikely to play any role in Saturday’s home match against Strasbourg.

Messi had signed his eagerly anticipated Paris Saint-Germain contract on Tuesday night to complete the move and many fans are eager to see him line up for Mauricio Pochettino’s team against Strasbourg in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

But Pochettino, who took over at PSG midway through last season in January, struck a note of caution after 34-year-old Messi arrived from Barcelona, his only previous professional club.

“Our challenge now is to ensure all of these top players form a team capable of meeting all the challenges ahead of it,” said Pochettino. “We want to make sure that this team becomes a strong unit.

“As for when we might see Leo Messi in action, it is his second day of training after a month since he played the last game at the Copa America.

“We will take things step by step, get to know each other and have him feel fit and comfortable so that he is able to make his debut when he is fully fit.”

Messi, who won 10 LaLiga and four Champions League titles during a 17-year long stint at Barcelona, led Argentina to the Copa America title with a 1-0 win over hosts and traditional rivals Brazil in the July 11 final.

When asked about the future of striker Mbappe, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid either during the current transfer window or next summer when his contract with PSG expires, Pochettino said: “Kylian is our player.

“We all know that Leo Messi is the best, or one of the best players in the world, without any doubt. Nevertheless we have other players as well and Kylian is also one of the best players in the world.”