CNN
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Lionel Messi celebrated his return to Paris Saint-Germain with a purpose in his first recreation since lifting the World Cup.
The 35-year-old Qatari returned to coaching within the new 12 months after taking a while off to rejoice and recuperate after 2022, the place he lastly lifted the trophy that had eluded him in one of many best finals of all time.
However the ahead did not appear to be affected by any hangover as he returned to motion with a purpose from shut vary in PSG’s 2-Zero win towards Angers on Wednesday.
Messi additionally paid tribute to Pele earlier than the match, becoming a member of his teammates in carrying a T-shirt with the Brazilian’s face on it through the warm-up.
PSG sit comfortably prime of the league regardless of Christophe Gaultier altering his squad as he eases again in gamers after the World Cup.
Kylian Mbappe, the dropping finalist in Qatar, was rested for Wednesday’s match, giving teenager Hugo Ekitike some taking part in time.
The 20-year-old ahead has impressed when given his probability this season, opening the scoring with a nice end within the first half.
Messi, who doubled the assault with Neymar Jr, then doubled the lead within the 72nd minute after a well-timed run and right-footed end.
The linesman initially flagged for offside, however the digital assistant referee (VAR) overruled the decision and the purpose was awarded.
The win on Messi’s return is a few welcome excellent news for PSG, which final week misplaced 3-1 to Lens for the primary time this season.
“Sure, getting again to successful methods was crucial. We’ve got rivals who’re working arduous,” Gaultier advised PSGTV after the sport.
“We knew we had been going to have a tricky match as a result of Angers is a workforce that performs good soccer and creates huge issues at a tactical stage.
“I additionally stress the truth that the scenario – after the World Cup – signifies that now we have had a number of 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 within the desk, performs Rennes in its subsequent recreation on Sunday.