PARIS: Seventeen days after guiding Argentina to an epic World Cup final victory over France, Lionel Messi reported back to work on Wednesday, his French club Paris Saint-Germain announced.
The 35-year-old seven-time Ballon d’Or winner reported back to the club’s training ground as they prepare for Saturday’s French Cup tie at third tier side Chateauroux.
Messi scored twice as Argentina drew 3-3 with France in the Qatar final, before prevailing in the penalty shoot-out. Since then he has been celebrating in Argentina and spending time with his family.
On Wednesday, he was given a guard of honour by his teammates at the training ground, before being presented with a small trophy by PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos, according to images posted by the club on its Twitter account.
Messi’s teammates Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in a losing cause in the final, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi returned to club duty just three days after the final with Brazil’s Neymar checking in a day later.
Messi is unlikely to play this weekend, more probably making his return in the home Ligue 1 match against Angers next Wednesday.
READ: Babar slips to third in latest ICC Test Batting Rankings
PARIS: Lionel Messi will celebrate his World Cup triumph by agreeing to stay at Paris Saint-Germain, local media claimed Wednesday, as he attempts to steer the French side to an elusive Champions League title.
The 35-year-old, who led Argentina to victory in the World Cup final against France in Qatar last weekend, will pen a one-season extension to his current deal in the French capital which expires in the summer.
Le Parisian and RMC Sport reported that Messi will sit down with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and other top club officials when he returns after his World Cup break.
Messi joined PSG in 2021 on a two-season deal with an option for another year after having spent his entire professional career with Barcelona.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner collected four Champions League titles in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015 in Spain as well as 10 La Liga crowns.
On Sunday, he inspired Argentina to a penalty shootout win over France in the World Cup final after the epic match had finished 3-3 in extra time.
Messi, named player of the tournament, scored twice in the game with PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe grabbing a hat-trick for France.
READ: New Zealand to start training tomorrow for Pakistan Tests
ANGERS: Star Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, who is representing Paris Saint-German (PSG) in the ongoing Ligue 1 has suffered an Achilles tendon injury, which may keep him out of action from the league’s next matches.
Messi suffered the injury ahead of his side’s clash with the home side Angers and is doubtful for the next matches as well. The PSG reported on Tuesday that the striker will undergo more tests in the next 48 hours.
Messi could only manage to represent his side PSG only once out of the 11 matches this season. Either be it due to COVID-19, national duty, or an injury.
It is pertinent to mention here that PSG have thumped Angers 3-0 as Kylian Mbappe, Sergi Ramos, and Marquinhos netted the ball once each. The club, despite lacking the services of Messi, is comfortably sitting at the top position in the points table with 77 points in 33 matches.
READ: Wisden names Mohammad Rizwan as the ‘Leading T20 Cricketer in 2021’