Messi scores in PSG return after world cup

Lionel Messi scored in his first game since leading Argentina to the World Cup title as French league leaders Paris Saint-Germain beat Angers 2-0 on Wednesday.

Messi, who won the World Cup with Argentina, received a warm welcome from the Parc des Princes crowd and netted from close range in the 72nd minute to add to Hugo Ekitike’s first-half opener, putting PSG on 47 points from 18 games.

RC Lens stayed second but dropped two points in a 2-2 draw at struggling Racing Strasbourg with all the goals coming before the break.

Third-placed Olympique de Marseille are now two points adrift of Lens on 39 points after a 2-0 win over Troyes.

“It was the game we needed, with three points in the end. Scoring is good for my confidence, I have to continue like this,” said Ekitike.

“We’re happy because it helps us put the Lens game behind us.”

Ekitike, who is getting playing time while Kylian Mbappe is being rested after making a quick comeback from the World Cup, made the most of another appearance when he latched onto a cross from Nordi Mukiele to put the hosts ahead.

Mukiele was again involved after the break as he played Messi through for the Argentine forward to find the back of the net with a right-foot effort from close range.

Messi was flagged offside but the goal was eventually allowed following a VAR review.

PSG’s players warmed up wearing T-shirts with Pele’s face on. The Brazilian great who won a record three World Cups, died in late December at the age of 82.

Reuters/Emmanuel Ukoh