Lionel Messi returns to PSG training after World Cup win, receives guard of honour Lionel Messi received a guard of honour as he returned to PSG training on Wednesday for the first time since Argentina won the World Cup.
Messi was flanked by his PSG teammates and clapped onto the training pitch just weeks after scoring twice in the final in Qatar to win his maiden World Cup title as they beat France 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 tie.
Luis Campos, PSG’s sporting director, presented the 35-year-old with a gold trophy emblazoned with a star and his name to commemorate his World Cup victory.
“I’m thrilled to be back,” Messi told PSG TV. “I’d like to thank everyone for the warm welcome I received from everyone at the club, including my teammates and the staff. I’m pleased, and I’ll prepare for the upcoming games.”
Kylian Mbappe, who scored three goals in the final, returned to PSG days later but was not present because he is on a club-sanctioned 10-day break in the United States with Achraf Hakimi following their World Cup exploits.
PSG coach Christophe Galtier previously denied any feud between Messi and Mbappe. Neymar, on the other hand, was present and was among the first to congratulate Messi.
Messi’s first chance to play again will be against Chatearuroux in the French Cup round of 16.
