Lionel Messi makes first start for PSG in UCL: Funniest memes and reactions

Lionel Messi started for PSG for the first time in their sour draw against Club Brugge on Matchday 1 of the 2021-2022 UEFA Champions League group stage. It may have not been what fans were expecting but the Internet was flooded with hilarious memes.

Updated on August 04, 2025 02:17PM EDT

Lionel Messi in action during PSG's 1-1 draw with Club Brugge in the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League. (Getty)

The arrival of Lionel Messi in PSG continues takingthe spotlight anytime his new team steps into the field. It’s been a long wait but the Argentine star has finally started for Mauricio Pochettino‘s side in a sour draw against Club Brugge in the opening round of the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League.

Messi has had to wait to suit up for Paris Saint-Germain following a month of holidays after the 2021 Copa America triumph with Argentina. This was just his second appearance for the French side and it was his first time as a starter.

Needless to say, fans from all around the world were looking forward to seeing Leo in UCL action. However, it wasn’t a night to remember for Paris nor Messi as they were held by the hosts.

Messi plays first UCL game with PSG: Funniest memes and reactions

Although his arrival has takenthe soccer world by storm and has been on the limelight for the last few months, it seems like we’ll have to wait at least for another game to see Messi’s impact on the field.

Lionel came from wonderful performances in the South American 2022 World Cup Qualifiers but he couldn’t carry that level to PSG’s opening game in the Champions League. Check out the best memes and reactions.

Just realised that Mikel Arteta has more goals for PSG than Lionel Messi �� pic.twitter.com/3z9l6hZAXr

— Av (@aviv_lavi) September 15, 2021

Antonella when Messi returned after winning Copa America: pic.twitter.com/CwN2DdIXSW

— FCB Femini fan (@KattarCule) September 15, 2021

Messi and Ronaldo fans if club brugge wins PSG today. pic.twitter.com/ivgXDLIi4x

— Ezenwanyi Camp Nou ❤�� (@Jiji_Byte) September 15, 2021

Messi going from Koeman to Pochettino pic.twitter.com/OBClVoivaw

— Sara �� (@SaraFCBi) September 15, 2021

Messi first half highlights against Club Brugge. Better than Ronaldo? pic.twitter.com/aI06yHsZxR

— Oliver4567 (@Oliverr4567) September 15, 2021

messi mbappe ney under poch pic.twitter.com/yCmy3xNiL8

— Josen ¹⁴ (@AxeAced) September 15, 2021

Messi when he realizes that PSG ain’t it pic.twitter.com/pnXVzmnXZR

— Judy ❣️ (@xmessisbabe) September 15, 2021

Messi in a PSG shirt
Barcelona playing without messi #ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/zegoxIPs5e

— GIFTSA ( iKumkani )☀️ (@IAMGIFTSA) September 15, 2021

Neymar Mbappe and Messi deciding who turn it is to shot on goal #CLUPSG #UCL pic.twitter.com/pr44gKyz3M

— Egal (@EGTVEgal) September 15, 2021

Messi’s journey in Paris has just begun and he’ll probably have plenty of time to score his first goal. In the meantime, he has to keep on adapting to life away from Barcelona, and fans need to be patient to see him thrive.

Martín O’Donnell

Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.