Messi scores in 1st game after World Cup as PSG wins
PSG's Lionel Messi, left, celebrates with PSG's Neymar after scoring his sides second goal during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Angers at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Francois Mori]
PARIS (AP) — Lionel Messi scored in his first game since leading Argentina to the World Cup title as French league leader Paris Saint-Germain beat Angers 2-0. Nearly four weeks after the final against France in Qatar, Messi needed only five minutes to make an impact. He turned neatly near the penalty area and threaded a pass to right back Nordi Mukiele, whose cross was turned in by 20-year-old forward Hugo Ekitiké. Messi then started the move that led to his 72nd-minute goal with Ekitiké and Mukiele combining quickly to put him through before he side-footed home. PSG moved six points clear at the top after second-place Lens drew 2-2 at 19th-place Strasbourg.
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PSG's Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides second goal during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Angers at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Francois Mori
PSG's Lionel Messi gestures during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Angers at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Francois Mori