Lionel Messi's debut for PSG: How many millions of fans will watch from around the world

Lionel Messi is set to make his debut for Paris Saint-Germain today in the Ligue 1 match against Reims. The 34-year-old will step out in the colours of PSG in a competitive match for the first time since he completed a stunning free transfer to the Parc des Princes. It is also the first time Lionel Messi will be playing for another club in his senior career. 

The match is expected to draw in lots of fans from all over the world with a kick-off time of 13:45 US time and 19:45 UK time. The match will hold at the Stade Auguste Delaune, the home ground of Reims. The stadium has a capacity of 21,127 and the grounds will certainly be filled to the brim. The ticket master earlier reported that there were ticket requests from countries around the world like Thailand, China, Egypt, Columbia and Japan. 

Other than those in the stadiums to watch, millions of others will join the live stream to see Lionel Messi's debut match for PSG. The match will be broadcast on designated channels including Skysports and BT. Additionally, Messi's former teammate, Gerard Pique has also purchased the rights to show Ligue 1 matches in Spain. Through his company, Kosmos Holdings, fans of Messi in Spain will be able to watch his debut. 

Lionel Messi has been named in the starting 11 and will play alongside his former teammate Neymar and French forward, Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe has been included in the squad despite revealing that he wants to leave the Parc des Princes. Real Madrid has reportedly submitted a bid worth €160m for the 21-year-old but it was quickly knocked back by PSG.