Lionel Messi returned to the pitch with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, scoring in his return and providing a key pass in the opening goal scored by Hugo Ekitike.
PSG manager Christophe Galtier spoke to the media after the match on Wednesday, where he discussed the treatment the 35-year-old received from the supporters. In addition, the French tactician noted how Messi felt from the fans’ reaction to his return.
“Thank you already to the supporters, and congratulations to them for having welcomed him like this,” Galtier told reporters postgame after the win (h/t Canal Supporters). “Believe me; it warms his heart. Leo had recovered well. He had a lot of sessions with us for a while.
“He is calm, light, very fit on a physical level. The team without or with Leo gives another face. Leo likes to score and this player profile needs to score. He felt good physically. It was important for him to play again quickly and important for the team to find Leo. The fact that he was able to play the whole game is even better.”
There was plenty of commotion regarding whether PSG would celebrate Messi’s 2022 FIFA World Cup, but considering it came against France, the capital club chose to pass. The Ligue 1 giants believed that celebrating his accomplishment before training was enough.
Additionally, a report out of Spain noted that the Argentine was OK with no celebration at the Parc des Princes before their matchup against Angers. While perhaps a major celebration didn’t occur, Messi did receive love from supporters that touched his heart upon his return.
