KEY POINTS

  • PSG defeated Angers 2-0 on Wednesday
  • PSG are now six points clear at the top of Ligue 1 table
  • Messi has now netted 13 goals for PSG this season

Lionel Messi scored for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Wednesday in his first game after winning the FIFA World Cup.

Messi finally became a world champion last month when Argentina lifted the coveted trophy in Qatar by beating France in the final. The PSG superstar finished the World Cup with seven goals in seven matches as he became the first-ever player to score in every round of the tournament: group stage, Round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final.

When the 2022-23 campaign resumed post the World Cup, Messi missed PSG's first two fixtures, which were against Strasbourg and Lens. While PSG defeated Strasbourg 2-1, they ended up losing 3-1 to second-placed Lens.

PSG returned to winning ways Wednesday in their home game against Angers. It was Messi's first competitive game after being crowned a world champion.

PSG's 20-year-old forward Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring in the fifth minute before Messi doubled his side's lead in the second half. With the latest victory, PSG went six points clear at the top of the league table.

With his goal against Angers, Messi now has netted 13 goals for PSG in all competitions in the ongoing season, apart from providing 14 assists. Eight of his 13 goals have come in Ligue 1.

In a post-match interview, PSG boss Christophe Galtier admitted his side made a few technical errors but overall they did well in the match.

"We scored two magnificent goals and I just regret a few unusual technical errors in areas of the game where we usually make big differences. But I repeat once again, there was Neymar who couldn't play the last two games and who is coming back from the World Cup, and Leo's return," Galtier told reporters.

"On a technical level, it was well done. On the goals, we had a few little mistakes, but as we progress, we will rediscover the connection between each other to be even better," the PSG boss added.

Lionel Messi (R) in action for PSG in their victory over Angers in Ligue 1 on Wednesday, his first appearance since winning the World Cup
AFP

Speaking about Messi, Galtier said the former FC Barcelona forward looks "relaxed and in great shape."

"Messi has recovered well. He is relaxed and in great shape physically, and with Leo the team looks different," said Galtier.

PSG's next game is another Ligue 1 outing as they will travel to Roazhon Park on Sunday to take on fourth-placed Rennes.

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