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Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to Paris Saint-Germain with a goal in his first game back since winning the World Cup. The 35-year-old forward had taken some time off to celebrate and recuperate after the historic victory in Qatar, where he finally lifted the trophy that had eluded him for so long. But there was no sign of a hangover as Messi found the back of the net in PSG’s 2-0 win against Angers.
Before the match, Messi paid tribute to the legendary Pelé by wearing a t-shirt with the Brazilian’s face on it during the warm-up. The Argentine superstar then teamed up with Neymar Jr. to lead the attack for PSG, with Messi scoring a goal from close range and later doubling the lead with a well-timed run and right-foot finish. The linesman initially flagged for offside, but the Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR) overruled the call and the goal stood.
PSG, under the guidance of manager Christophe Galtier, currently sits comfortably at the top of the league table despite having to manage the return of key players after the World Cup. Kylian Mbappé, who was a beaten finalist in Qatar, was rested for the match against Angers, giving opportunities to young talents like Hugo Ekitiké, who impressed with a goal in the first half.
The victory on Messi’s return was a welcome relief for PSG, who had suffered their first league defeat of the season against Lens the previous week. Galtier emphasized the importance of getting back to winning ways, especially with strong rivals pushing hard in the league.
“We knew that we were going to have a difficult match because Angers is a team that plays good football and poses big problems on a tactical level,” Galtier said after the game. “The situation post-World Cup means that we have had a lot of players absent, and the group was very scattered. But little by little, everyone is coming back and reconnecting.”
Despite the challenges, PSG remains six points clear at the top of the table and will face Rennes in their next game on Sunday. With Messi back in form and leading the charge, the Parisian club will be looking to maintain their strong position in the league and continue their pursuit of domestic and European success.
The return of Messi to PSG has injected excitement and optimism into the team and their fans. His performance on the pitch and his leadership qualities off it make him a valuable asset for the club as they aim to achieve their goals for the season. As one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi’s presence elevates the quality and competitiveness of the team, setting the stage for more memorable moments and exciting matches ahead.
