cnn
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Lionel Messi celebrated his return to Paris Saint-Germain with a goal in his first game back since winning the World Cup.
The 35-year-old did not return to training until the new year after taking time off to celebrate and recover after Qatar 2022, where he finally won the trophy that had always eluded him in one of the biggest finals in history.
But the striker did not appear to be suffering from a hangover as he returned to action with a goal from close range in PSG's 2-0 win against Angers on Wednesday.
Messi also paid tribute to Pelé before the match, and joined his teammates in wearing a T-shirt with the Brazilian's face during the warm-up.
PSG are comfortably top of the league despite Christophe Galtier having to change his team while facilitating the return of players after the World Cup.
Kylian Mbappé, defeated finalist in Qatar, was rested for Wednesday's match, allowing players like youngster Hugo Ekitiké to get some playing time.
The 20-year-old striker impressed when given the chance this season and opened the scoring with a great finish in the first half.
Messi, who matched the attack alongside Neymar Jr., then doubled the lead in the 72nd minute after a timely run and a right-footed shot.
The linesman had initially flagged offside, but the virtual assistant referee (VAR) overturned the decision and the goal was awarded.
The victory in Messi's return is good news for PSG, who lost in the league for the first time this season last week, 3-1 to Lens.
“Yes, it was very important to return to the path of victory. We have rivals who are pressing a lot,” Galtier told PSGTV after the match.
“We knew we were going to have a difficult game because Angers is a team that plays good football and poses big problems at a tactical level.
“I also insist that the situation – post-World Cup – means that we have had many players absent, that the group was very dispersed and that, little by little, everyone is returning and reconnecting.”
PSG, who are six points clear at the top of the table, will play Rennes in their next match on Sunday.
