24 days after lifting the World Cup, Lionel Messi made his return to the pitch as league-leading PSG welcomed last-place Angers to the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
With Kylian Mbappé not returning to training until Thursday, PSG manager Christophe Galtier started Messi and Neymar out wide with 20-year-old French striker Hugo Ekitiké leading the line and Fabián Ruiz joining the attack from midfield.
Before the match, PSG players warmed up in shirts paying tribute to Pelé and there was a minute's applause before kick-off.
El homenaje de Leo Messi para #Pele pic.twitter.com/qiAmZBJlK7
— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) January 11, 2023
Messi had seemingly already paid tribute to "O Rei" in training this week by performing his famous runaround move.
Leo Messi can assist without even touching the ball. Peak Football smartness. pic.twitter.com/ImaCDdZn5D
— Witball Channel (@Witball_Channel) January 11, 2023
The 35-year-old didn't seem to be experiencing a World Cup hangover.
Stop what you're doing and watch this touch from Lionel Messi
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 11, 2023
The Argentine had a hand in PSG's fifth-minute opener, taking possession and drawing defenders before playing it out wide to Nordi Mukiele for the square ball to Ekitiké.
HUGO EKITIKE gives PSG the lead
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 11, 2023
Angers goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni kept his side in it with a few good saves, but the match was over in the 72nd minute when Messi dabbled around the area looking for space before helping to unlock the defense and finishing inside the far post.
OF COURSE IT HAD TO BE LIONEL MESSI ⭐️
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 11, 2023
Messi has eight goals and 10 assists in 14 Ligue 1 games this season. His team has a six-point lead over Lens at the top of the table.
