CNN
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Lionel Messi celebrated his return to Paris Saint-Germain with a objective in his first recreation again since lifting the World Cup.
The 35-year-old solely returned to coaching within the new yr after taking a while off to rejoice and recuperate after Qatar 2022, the place he lastly received the trophy that had all the time eluded him in one of many best finals ever.
However the ahead didn’t look to be struggling any hangover as he returned to motion with a objective from shut vary in PSG’s 2-0 win towards Angers on Wednesday.
Messi additionally paid tribute to Pelé earlier than the match, becoming a member of his teammates in carrying a t-shirt with the Brazilian’s face on it in the course of the warmup.
PSG sits comfortably high of the league regardless of Christophe Galtier having to change up his crew as he eases gamers again in after the World Cup.
Kylian Mbappé, a crushed finalist in Qatar, was rested for Wednesday’s match, permitting the likes of teenager Hugo Ekitiké to get some recreation time.
The 20-year-old ahead has impressed when given the prospect this season and opened the scoring with a sweeping end within the first half.
Messi, who dovetailed the assault alongside Neymar Jr., then doubled the lead within the 72nd minute after a effectively timed run and proper foot end.
The linesman had initially flagged for offside, however the Digital Assistant Referee (VAR) overruled the decision and the objective was given.
The win on Messi’s return is a few welcome excellent news for PSG, who misplaced within the league for the primary time this season final week, 3-1 away to Lens.
“Sure, it was essential to get again to successful methods. We now have rivals who’re pushing exhausting,” Galtier advised PSGTV after the sport.
“We knew that we have been going to have a troublesome match as a result of Angers is a crew that performs good soccer and poses huge issues on a tactical stage.
“I additionally insist on the truth that the scenario – post-World Cup – signifies that we have now had numerous gamers absent, that the group was very scattered and that, little by little, everyone seems to be coming again and reconnecting.”
PSG, which is six factors clear atop the desk, performs Rennes in its subsequent recreation on Sunday.
