Football News: Lionel Messi to return for Paris Saint-Germain against Angers

Lionel Messi will play in his first league game since November against Angers, according to Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier.

After returning from a brief holiday following Argentina's World Cup victory, Messi has participated in training over the past couple of days. The 35-year-old won his first and Argentina's third World Cup championship by scoring seven goals and dishing out three assists.

He won the Golden Ball award for his great exploits, which included scoring twice in the championship game. With 13 goals overall, he surpassed Gabriel Batistuta to become Argentina's all-time leading scorer at the World Cup.

Following the celebration of the historic victory, Messi has re-joined the PSG team ahead of their French Cup match on Friday against lower-tier Chatearoux. Messi will be rested for the cup game, according to Galtier, but he should be available for the league game against Angers on January 11.

"He will not play tomorrow, having discussed with him, we want him to be ready for the following game."

said Galtier.

In addition, Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi, who were granted time off, will not be playing for PSG because they are in New York. Galtier also confirmed that Neymar won't be playing in the cup match.

The 56-year-old said:

"We knew there would be absences after the World Cup. As for Neymar's absence in training, it had been scheduled after all players were assessed upon their return from the World Cup."

"We decided with the medical staff that Neymar, with everything he has experienced with his ankle problem (in Qatar), needed time. He won't play tomorrow."

After losing 3-1 to Ligue 1's top-seeded Lens on Sunday, which narrowed the lead at the top to four points, PSG's manager is eager for his team to get back on track.

Galtier added:

"There was disappointment, frustration and sometimes anger, but we want to bounce back with an important game as the Cup is one of the important goals of the club. Getting straight back into it is the best to eliminate that frustration."

Messi's current contract with PSG is slated to expire at the end of the current season, according to a recent report, but he could sign a new one this week.

The international player from Argentina has been linked with a move to the MLS and a reunion with his former team, Barcelona.

Messi will want to continue where he left off after scoring 12 goals and dishing out 14 assists over the course of 19 games for the French champions in the first half of the season. Messi appears to be close to signing a new contract with PSG.

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