Messi Makes PSG Debut vs. Reims, Mbappé Scores Twice Amid Real Madrid Rumors

A new era in Paris began on Sunday with Lionel Messi making his debut for Paris Saint-Germain, but another era may be ending with Kylian Mbappé still linked heavily with a blockbuster move to Real Madrid. 

Hanging over Sunday's 2-0 win against Reims is the fact that it could very well have been the first and only time the two generational talents play on the same team.

Messi started on the bench but came on for Mauricio Pochettino's side in the 66th minute to applause from both home and away fans. It was his first appearance for a club other than Barcelona since 2000, when he played as an academy player for his hometown side Newell's Old Boys. The 34-year-old star joined PSG earlier this month after his stunning exit from Barcelona, which couldn't keep Messi due to the club's financial troubles. 

If it was his last match for PSG, Mbappé made sure that it would be a memorable one. In the 16th minute against Reims, Mbappé connected with an Ángel Di María cross to give PSG the lead with his second goal of the year. 

Mbappé then added a second goal in the 63rd minute, running full speed before latching onto a low cross from Achraf Hakimi to double PSG's lead. 

As unlikely as it seems with PSG entering the season as the heavy European favorites, PSG sporting director Leonardo confirmed earlier this week that Mbappé wants to leave for Real Madrid. 

After PSG rejected a €160 million ($188.1 million) bid from Real last week, the Spanish giants reportedly returned with a €180 million ($212 million) offer that equals what PSG paid Monaco for the forward in 2018. It's an astonishing figure given that Mbappé's contract is set to expire in June, when he can leave the club on a free transfer. 

Real Madrid has two days left to secure a deal for Mbappé ahead of Tuesday's summer transfer deadline. The 22-year-old has scored 135 goals in 175 games for PSG and also won the 2018 World Cup as a 19-year-old with France.