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Lionel Messi was given a guard of honour as he returned to Paris Saint-Germain training on Wednesday for the first time since lifting the World Cup with Argentina.
Messi was flanked by his PSG teammates and clapped onto the training pitch, weeks after he scored twice in the final in Qatar to win his maiden World Cup title as they beat France 4-2 on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw.
The 35-year-old was given a gold trophy with a star and his name on it by Luis Campos, the PSG sporting director, to commemorate his World Cup victory.
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Kylian Mbappe, who netted a hat trick in the final, returned to PSG days after the final but was not present as he is on a club-sanctioned 10-day break in the U.S. alongside Achraf Hakimi following their World Cup exploits.
PSG head coach Christophe Galtier previously denied suggestions of a rift between Messi and Mbappe. However, Neymar was there and one of the first to congratulate Messi.
Leo Messi honored by his teammates, coaching staff and Training Center staff pic.twitter.com/RBc23vfvSe
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 4, 2023
Messi’s first chance at a return comes in a French Cup round-of-16 tie against Chatearuroux on Friday before the side host Angers next Wednesday in Ligue 1.
He has 12 goals and 14 assists for PSG in all competitions this season.
ESPN reported last month that Messi has agreed to stay at PSG next season but was yet to begin talks over a new deal. His contract at the Parcs des Princes expires in June.
Sources told ESPN that Messi had not received any offers from any other club, despite speculation linking him with a move to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami or a return to Barcelona.
Information from Julien Laurens was used in this report.