Lionel Messi continues to do Lionel Messi things after the World Cup, much to the delight of his French club Paris Saint-Germain and coach Christophe Galtier.
“It was important for him to be able to play again quickly and it was important for the team to have Leo back in the center of the game. The fact that he was able to play through the whole game is all the better,” said Galtier after the league leaders’ 2-0 home win against Angers at the bottom about the 35-year-old offensive star.
Messi, who was playing for PSG for the first time since the World Cup triumph with Argentina, initiated the first goal on Wednesday evening and scored the second himself after an attack he had also initiated. “We scored two wonderful goals,” said Galtier, who also liked Messi’s interaction with Neymar. “They first had to find their places again, their connection, they did it very well at a good technical level.”
Double template from ex-Leipziger
Former Leipzig player Nordi Mukiele, who scored both goals, was no less impressed by Messi’s performance. “I know that he is a technically very talented player. I just had to play him, he was able to finish with the right, »explained the defender the perfectly combined goal to make it 2-0, which also stood up to the video evidence – Messi started at exactly the right moment.
«Leo had recovered well, he had many sessions with us. He seems calm, light-footed and physically very fit, »explained Galtier, whose team extended their lead in Ligue 1 to six points after 18 games, also thanks to Messi. Chaser RC Lens had failed at relegation contenders Racing Strasbourg (2-2), but that was only a side note because of the Messi show.
Of course, PSG “have a different face with or without Leo,” said Galtier, explaining why he let his superstar play through completely: “I talked to him at half-time and during the game to find out how he felt physically . He felt good.” Messi’s 13th goal of the season in PSG’s 20th competitive game reinforced that impression.
Galtier also liked the reaction of the fans, who have long since forgiven Messi for scoring three goals, including penalties, with Argentina in the World Cup final against his adopted country France. They celebrated their number 30 after the goal to make it 2-0 with chants of “Messi, Messi”. “Thank you and bravo to the fans for welcoming him the way he was received. Believe me, it warms his heart, »said Galtier. Kylian Mbappé, who lost four goals to Messi’s Argentines in the final with France, is currently on special leave at PSG. (dpa)
