Lionel Messi has returned to action for Paris Saint Germain after being out of football for the past three and a half weeks following a remarkable World Cup victory against France on December 18 at the Lusail Stadium, Qatar.
Messi has been granted a two-week holiday extension as part of his celebration with the national team, and after a long wait for his availability, PSG has finally found the service as the little magician is back with the team and back on the scoresheet.
Things you love to see.#PSGSCO pic.twitter.com/XR1pT1eHdx
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 11, 2023
Messi scored the game-winning goal in the 72nd minute after receiving a superbly crafted pass from Nordi Mukiele as PSG defeated Angers 2-0 in a Ligue 1 match played at the Parc des Princes.
According to the French publication Le Parisien, the Greatest of All Time wanted to showcase the World Cup trophy as a heroic symbol of his return, but Paris Saint Germain management opted against it.
The club hierarchy was extremely concerned about the consequences because Argentina defeated France in the world cup final and reminding the supporters about the woes they suffered would have sparked a conflict among them even though Messi is one of their own.
PSG coach Christophe Galtier on Messi: "We saw, surely the best player in the world again. He was anxious to play, he prepared well and obviously when Leo is on the pitch, things change a lot. He's calmer, having won the trophy that he was missing."pic.twitter.com/u1pnQ1fdqq
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) January 11, 2023
When Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez mocked Kylian Mbappe brutally during the trophy parade in Argentina alongside Lionel Messi, the aftermath of the World Cup did not go well with the fans and those mixed issues led to fury among France’s fans.
Messi will be out of contract at the end of the season and certainly, he has a few years left in him after playing so brilliantly throughout the season, PSG will be hoping for a contract extension with the seven-time Ballon D’or winner, and they are optimistic about it.
Post-match press conference Paris Saint-Germain – Angers SCO 🔴🔵 https://t.co/GTJFGXvQrC
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 11, 2023
When referred to the matter at the post-match press conference, PSG boss Christophe Galtier told reporters, “There are discussions, the sports management has exchanged with Leo on the subject of an extension. I do not know where it is. Leo seems happy to me in Paris. Afterward, you have to see his position in relation to the project of the club. It’s a subject I don’t discuss with him.”
PSG is six points clear at the top of the table after nearest rival Lens dropped points against Strasbourg on a 2-2 draw and the Galtier side will be eyeing big in upcoming tournaments.
