After helping Argentina win the World Cup, Lionel Messi is scheduled to report back to Paris Saint-Germain practice on Tuesday.
After his exploits in Qatar, PSG gave the 35-year-old a 10-day rest, but he has reportedly returned to the team ahead of their Cup of France match against Chateauroux on Friday.
Argentina defeated Kylian Mbappe‘s France in the championship match on penalties at Lusail Stadium after a 3-3 stalemate after extra time thanks to two goals from Messi.
Mbappe won’t be joining Messi in training, though, according to L’Equipe, as the majority of the PSG team was given the day off following their 3-1 loss to Lens on Sunday.
Mbappe had a hat-trick in the final match, but he couldn’t help but seem enraged with Messi after the game ended.
Before the game, there had been some discussion around the two players, especially after it was reported that Mbappe’s idol is Cristiano Ronaldo and that he thinks the forward is “untouchable” when it comes to Messi rivalry.
PSG teammate Abdou Diallo said, via the Mail:
“Cristiano Ronaldo is literally everything to Kylian Mbappe. If you mention Lionel Messi against Cristiano, Mbappe will debate with you for at least an hour. For him, Cristiano is untouchable.”
It seemed to give the game a little more bite, but in a crazy match, Messi emerged victorious. Messi will have to see Mbappe for the first time since the tournament now that he is expected to return to PSG training, albeit it won’t be at Tuesday’s session.
Presnel Kimpembe and Nuno Mendes, who are both injured, as well as Renato Sanches and Timothée Pembélé, who are returning from physical concerns, are anticipated at the practice facility.
Following the loss to Lens on Sunday night, a recovery session was held. The team is expected back on Wednesday to get ready for their upcoming match on Friday night.
Prior to starting full training again with the rest of his teammates, Messi will go through a standard medical examination and a light workout.
Prior to Messi’s arrival back, manager Christophe Galtier stated:
“Obviously he will be well received at home. On the reception at the stadium, I have no doubt that he will be well received at Parc des Princes.
“He won the most beautiful of trophies by being very good in this World Cup. Above all, now that he has achieved this incredible goal, we must remember what he has done since the start of the season with the team.”
After what was apparently a challenging first season at the Parc des Princes, Messi has predictably been one of PSG’s standouts this season. The 35-year-old has made 19 appearances with Les Parisiens in all competitions, recording 12 goals and 14 assists.
