Lionel Messi is returning to work at Paris Saint Germain (PSG) on Tuesday after his extended holiday following Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph.
Messi inspired Argentina to a 4-2 post match penalty win over former champions France on December 18 in Doha in the final he scored a brace plus his second penalty of the day in the shootouts.
The 36-year-old Argentina captain was given a special extended break by PSG, who have now played two Ligue 1 fixtures since the season resumed after the Qatar tournament.
“We will be very happy to welcome him. Leo will surely join us on January 3, so in 48 hours. Obviously he will be well received at home,” PSG coach Christophe Galtier told media on Sunday.
Galtier added that he is confident Messi will be received as a friend and not a foe by the fans despite the circumstances of the final.
MESSI TO BE WELL RECEIVED IN FRANCE
“On the reception at the stadium, I have no doubts about the fact that he will be well received at the Parc des Princes,” Galtier said.
“He won the most beautiful trophy by being very good in this World Cup.
” Above all, now that he has achieved this incredible goal, we must remember what he has done since the start of the season with the team.”
Messi is projected to make his competitive return on January 11 in PSGs home Ligue 1 match against Angers.
Prior to that, PSG are in cup action away to Chateauroux on January 6.
Meanwhile, Messi will return just 48 hours after the Ligue 1 leaders were beaten 3-1 away in a top two showdown against Lens.
The burden in the Lens game was on FIFA World Cup losing finalist Kylian Mbappe to lead the team after Neymar missed the match due to a suspension.
Hugo Ekitike equalised for PSG in the 8th minute on the Ligue 1 champions way to suffering their first league defeat of the season.
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