Lionel Messi celebrated his return to Paris Saint-Germain with a goal in his first game back since lifting the World Cup.
The 35-year-old only returned to training in the new year after taking some time off to celebrate and recover from Qatar 2022, where he finally won the trophy that had always eluded him in one of the biggest finals ever.
But the forward did not appear to be suffering from any hangover as he returned to action with a goal from close range in PSG’s 2-0 win over Angers on Wednesday.
Messi also paid tribute to Pelé before the match, joining his teammates in wearing a shirt with the Brazilian’s face on it during the warm-up.
PSG sit comfortably top of the league despite Christophe Galtier having to change his team as he eases players in after the World Cup.
Kylian Mbappé, beaten finalist in Qatar, was rested for Wednesday’s match, allowing the likes of youngster Hugo Ekitiké to get some game time.
The 20-year-old forward has impressed when given the chance this season and opened the scoring with a sweeping finish in the first half.
Messi, who joined the attack together with Neymar Jr., then doubled the lead in the 72nd minute after a well-timed run and right-footed finish.
The linesman initially flagged for offside, but the Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR) canceled the call and the goal was awarded.
The win on Messi’s return is welcome good news for PSG, who lost in the league for the first time this season last week, 3-1 away to Lens.
“Yes, it was very important to get back to winning ways. We have rivals who press hard,” Galtier told PSGTV after the game.
“We knew we would have a difficult match because Angers is a team that plays good football and presents big problems on a tactical level.
“I also insist that the situation – after the World Cup – means that we had a lot of players absent, that the group was very divided and that, little by little, everyone is coming back and reconnecting.”
PSG, who are six points above the table, play Rennes in their next game on Sunday.