CNN
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Lionel Messi celebrated his go back to Paris Saint-Germain with a objective in his first sport again since lifting the International Cup.
The 35-year-old handiest returned to coaching within the new 12 months after taking some time without work to rejoice and get well after Qatar 2022, the place he in spite of everything received the trophy that had at all times eluded him in probably the most largest finals ever.
However the ahead didn’t glance to be struggling any hangover as he returned to motion with a objective from shut vary in PSG’s 2-0 win in opposition to Angers on Wednesday.
Messi additionally paid tribute to Pelé prior to the fit, becoming a member of his teammates in dressed in a t-shirt with the Brazilian’s face on it all over the warmup.
PSG sits very easily most sensible of the league in spite of Christophe Galtier having to change up his crew as he eases gamers again in after the International Cup.
Kylian Mbappé, a overwhelmed finalist in Qatar, used to be rested for Wednesday’s fit, permitting the likes of adlescent Hugo Ekitiké to get some sport time.
The 20-year-old ahead has inspired when given the danger this season and opened the scoring with a sweeping end within the first part.
Messi, who dovetailed the assault along Neymar Jr., then doubled the lead within the 72nd minute after a smartly timed run and proper foot end.
The linesman had to begin with flagged for offside, however the Digital Assistant Referee (VAR) overruled the decision and the objective used to be given.
The win on Messi’s go back is a few welcome just right information for PSG, who misplaced within the league for the primary time this season closing week, 3-1 away to Lens.
“Sure, it used to be essential to get again to successful techniques. We have now competitors who’re pushing exhausting,” Galtier instructed PSGTV after the sport.
“We knew that we had been going to have a troublesome fit as a result of Angers is a crew that performs just right soccer and poses giant issues on a tactical stage.
“I additionally insist on the truth that the placement – post-International Cup – approach that we’ve got had a large number of gamers absent, that the crowd used to be very scattered and that, bit by bit, everyone seems to be coming again and reconnecting.”
PSG, which is six issues transparent atop the desk, performs Rennes in its subsequent sport on Sunday.
