Lionel Messi picked up where he left off for Paris Saint-Germain with a goal on his return to Ligue 1 action on Wednesday night.
Three-and-a-half weeks after winning the World Cup with Argentina, the footballing genius capped a sublime PSG move to double the lead against Angers in the 72nd minute. Nordi Mukiele grabbed his second assist of the match by delicately playing Messi through on goal, having also set up Hugo Ekitike's fifth-minute opener.
The result extended PSG's lead at the top of the table to six points after title rivals Lens dropped points with a 2-2 draw at relegation-threatened Strasbourg. There was plenty to celebrate for Messi but perhaps some disappointment before the match, when he was prevented from parading the World Cup trophy at the Parc des Princes.
According to French newspaper Le Parisien, PSG chiefs were concerned the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner could have faced a hostile reception from the club's fans if he had done so. Argentina defeated France in the final in Qatar to prevent Les Bleus from winning back-to-back World Cups.
There was added bite in the aftermath of the sensational match, with Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez repeatedly taunting France and PSG forward Kylian Mbappe. Messi received a touching guard of honour on his return to his club's training ground in early January, but the PSG hierarchy opted against a special tribute to their World Cup-winning talisman ahead of their clash against Angers.
While Messi is out of contract at the club at the end of the season, recent reports suggest he will extend his stay in the French capital. PSG manager Christophe Galtier confirmed talks are underway to ensure the former Barcelona forward - who "seems happy" - will continue to light up the Parc des Princes.
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"There are discussions, the sports management has exchanged with Leo on the subject of an extension," Galtier said. "I do not know where it is. Leo seems happy to me in Paris. Afterwards, you have to see his position in relation to the project of the club. It's a subject I don't discuss with him."
Messi was granted a two-week holiday by PSG - the largest amount of time off possible - after captaining Argentina to World Cup glory and winning the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. He has also been in sensational form at club level this season and his goal against Angers took his tally to 12 in all competitions, while he has also chipped in with a remarkable 14 assists.
Messi's principal task this season is to inspire PSG to a maiden Champions League title, with Ligue 1 and Coupe de France successes of lesser importance in the eyes of club chiefs.
