PSG Boss Galtier Hails Messi After Scoring on Return

Lionel Messi marked his return to Paris Saint-Germain after his World Cup triumph with a goal in their 2-0 win over Angers in Ligue 1 on Wednesday.

Messi had taken an extended vacation after Argentina’s triumph in December but returned to action from the start at Parc des Princes, netting his side’s second goal in the 72nd minute.

The Argentine received a heroes’ welcome from the Parisian crowd despite their triumph coming at the expense of France in the final.

“Thank you to our supporters for welcoming him in the way that they did,” PSG head coach Christophe Galtier told reporters.

“That means a lot to him. Our fans also got behind him when the game was difficult.

“Messi has recovered well. He has had quite a few training sessions back with us now. He seemed lighter and in very good physical shape.

“Of course, the team is different with and without Messi. He also scored an important goal for us tonight and we all know that he loves scoring goals, he is the sort of player who needs goals.

“I spoke to him at half-time to see how he felt and he said he felt good… It is important to have Messi back at the heart of our game.

“The fact that he played 90 minutes is even better.”

PSG are next in action on Sunday against Stade Rennes in the league. Les Parisiens are currently top of Ligue 1 with a six-point lead over Lens after 18 games.