CNN
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Lionel Messi marked his comeback with Paris Saint-Germain by scoring a goal in his first match since winning the World Cup.
The 35-year-old returned to training in the new year after taking some time off to celebrate and recover from his victory in Qatar 2022, which was considered one of the greatest finals ever.
However, Messi showed no signs of a hangover as he returned to action and scored a goal from close range in PSG’s 2-0 victory against Angers on Wednesday.
Before the match, Messi also paid tribute to Pelé by wearing a t-shirt with the Brazilian’s face on it during the warmup, along with his teammates.
PSG remains comfortably at the top of the league, even as coach Christophe Galtier eases players back into the team after the World Cup.
Kylian Mbappé, who was a finalist in Qatar, was rested for Wednesday’s match, giving young player Hugo Ekitiké a chance to play.
Ekitiké, a 20-year-old forward, has impressed when given opportunities this season and scored the opening goal with a brilliant finish in the first half.
Messi, playing alongside Neymar Jr., extended PSG’s lead in the 72nd minute with a well-timed run and right-footed finish.
Initially, the linesman flagged for offside, but the Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR) overruled the decision and awarded the goal.
Messi’s return victory is a welcome piece of good news for PSG, who suffered their first league defeat of the season last week, losing 3-1 to Lens.
“Yes, it was very important to get back to winning ways. We have rivals who are pushing hard,” Galtier told PSGTV after the game.
“We knew that we were going to have a difficult match against Angers, a team that plays good football and poses tactical challenges.
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