AE Daily News
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Lionel Messi celebrated his return to Paris Saint-Germain with a purpose in his first recreation again since lifting the World Cup.
The 35-year-old solely returned to coaching within the new 12 months after taking a while off to have fun and recuperate after Qatar 2022, the place he lastly received the trophy that had all the time eluded him in one of many biggest finals ever.
But the ahead didn’t look to be struggling any hangover as he returned to motion with a purpose from shut vary in PSG’s 2-0 win in opposition to 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 throughout the warmup.
PSG sits comfortably high of the league regardless of Christophe Galtier having to change up his workforce 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 possibility 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 Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR) overruled the decision and the purpose was given.
The win on Messi’s return is a few welcome good news for PSG, who misplaced within the league for the primary time this season final week, 3-1 away to Lens.
“Yes, it was very important to get back to winning ways. We have rivals who are pushing hard,” Galtier informed PSGTV after the sport.
“We knew that we have been going to have a tough match as a result of Angers is a workforce that performs good soccer and poses massive issues on a tactical stage.
“I also insist on the fact that the situation – post-World Cup – means that we have had a lot of players absent, that the group was very scattered and that, little by little, everyone is coming back and reconnecting.”
PSG, which is six factors clear atop the desk, performs Rennes in its subsequent recreation on Sunday.
