Lionel Messi scored his first goal of 2023 as he returned to action for PSG in a 2-0 win over relegation-threatened Angers in their Ligue 1 clash. The 35-year-old scored his eighth league goal of the season for the French champions.
Having only just returned to club duty following the FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi was listed in the starting XI for PSG against Angers. The side had lost 3-1to Lens in their previous league match in Messi’s absence. Neymar also returned to the XI after his suspension.
PSG wasted no time in asserting their dominance and took the lead after only five minutes. Teenage striker Hugo Ekitike received a low cross from Nordi Mukiele before firing into the back of the net from inside the box.
Les Parisiens remained in control of proceedings against their struggling opposition, with both Messi and Sergio Ramos forcing good saves out of Paul Bernardoni repeatedly.
It was not until the 72nd minute before the champions doubled their advantage. Messi picked up the ball in the opposition’s half before exchanging passes with a number of his teammates. The sequence ended with Messi slotting home from inside the box after another assist from Mukiele. It was the Argentine forward’s 13th goal in all competitions for his side.
PSG held on to their clean sheet and win over Angers, taking them to 47 points after 18 games in the league. The champions now have a six-point cushion over second-placed RC Lens in the league.
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