Messi scores for PSG in their first game after Qatar World Cup
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Paris: The league-leading Paris Saint-Germain defeated Angers 2-0 on Wednesday thanks to a goal from Lionel Messi in his first game since helping Argentina win the World Cup.
Messi only needed five minutes to have an impact almost four weeks after the world cup in Qatar against France. He made a sharp move just outside the box and threaded a pass to Nordi Mukiele at right back, whose cross was converted by 20-year-old striker Hugo Ekitike, Associated Press reported.
The move that ended with Messi scoring in the 72nd minute was initiated by him, and it was promptly completed by Ekitike and Mukiele. After a video review, his eighth league goal this season was confirmed after initially being disallowed for offside.
Overall, PSG gave a bad effort against a team in last place, but despite that, they moved six points ahead of second-place Lens after their 2-2 draw with 19th-place Strasbourg.
At Parc des Princes, Messi received a warm ovation from the spectators, who began to chant his name as he applauded them in return.
He scored twice in a wild 3-3 tie against France on December 18 and made his penalty kick in the shootout. The next Ballon d'Or for men is widely believed to go to Messi or PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat trick in the world cup final.
With Mbappe rested, Messi began the assault alongside Neymar and Ekitike. However, PSG struggled for long portions of the game, and Angers missed two excellent opportunities before Messi's goal.
The PSG players warmed up while wearing T-shirts with Pele's face. The legendary Brazilian player, who set a record by winning three World Cups, passed away in late December at age 82.