Lionel Messi isn’t expected to be back with PSG until early January after World Cup success

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring after scoring his second goal in the World Cup final against France.

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CNN
 — 

Lionel Messi isn’t expected to be back with Paris Saint-German until the “2nd or 3rd January,” according to the the club’s coach Christophe Galtier as the 35-year-old continues to spend time back in Argentina after winning the World Cup following the penalty shootout victory over France in the final.

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with the World Cup Trophy after winning the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Shaun Botterill – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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However, Kylian Mbappé, Neymar Jr. and Achraf Hakimi – who played for France, Brazil and Morocco at Qatar 2022 – could return to the PSG team for Wednesday’s Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg, as long as they are “doing well physically and mentally,” said Galtier.

PSG has a five-point lead over Lens at the top of Ligue 1 as the French domestic season returns after a a six-week midseason break for the World Cup.

PSG forwards Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé (R) take part in a training session at the club’s “Camp des Loges” training ground in Saint-Germain-en-Laye on the eve of the Ligue 1 game against Strasbourg.

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Ligue 1 clubs will play two matches this week and Galtier says returning to play football will help those players that suffered disappointment in Qatar.

“I sent messages of support to those who suffered disappointment and messages of congratulations to those who went far in the tournament,” the PSG coach told reporters.

“They’re elite-level footballers, and I think that the best cure for them is to come back to work as quickly as possible, where they’re surrounded by their mates, and to get a taste for competitive football again.

“I’ve noticed that everyone is mentally ready for us to work together again. I saw Kylian congratulate Leo and the opposition manager during the trophy ceremony, which are signs of respect between our players.

“What I remember is Kylian’s good attitude, as he showed savoir-faire and class despite the disappointment. That’s a very good thing for the team and for the club.”

Kylian Mbappé will be looking to put his World Cup disappointment behind him.

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PSG and Lens face off in a huge top-of-the-table clash on Sunday, but Galtier believes previous form counts for little as the six-week break means the restart will be “like the start of a new season” for teams.

The second half of the season is action-packed for PSG as both the French Cup and Champions League return.

In the coming days, Galtier is confident of having a full squad – minus Messi – to choose from, including Neymar who suffered an ankle sprain in the World Cup group stages but was able to return for Brazil’s two knockout matches.

LUSAIL, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) holds aloft the World Cup trophy after defeating France to win the final match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar on December 18, 2022. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

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“With the players who have come back, we’ve operated on a case-by-case basis, both physically and mentally,” Galtier said.

“Unfortunately, some players were knocked out earlier than others, but Achraf and Kylian were eager to rejoin us very quickly.

“As long as they’re doing well physically and mentally, there’s no reason for us to go without them for the next two league games, which will be very important.

“However, it’s up to us to think about what will be the right time for them to rest and to decompress in the next few weeks. All of the players who have come back will be available for tomorrow’s game.

“The Spaniards, the Portuguese and the Brazilians had about ten days off, but everyone came back at the agreed date and is training normally.”