• Lionel Messi is set to make his first appearance for Paris Saint-Germain since winning the World Cup.
• The 35-year-old could start against Angers in a Ligue 1 match on Wednesday.
• The Qatar-owned club’s initial two-year deal expires this summer.

Lionel Messi is set to make his first appearance for Paris Saint-Germain since winning the World Cup in a Ligue 1 match at home against Angers on Wednesday, as the Qatar-owned club looks to tie down the Argentine to a new contract.

On Tuesday, the 35-year-old took part in training with his teammates, just over three weeks after leading Argentina to a penalty shootout victory over France in the World Cup final in Qatar.

Following the tournament, he was given a two-week break in his home country before returning to Paris and being honoured with a guard of honour at PSG’s training ground last Wednesday.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who had 12 goals in 19 games for his club prior to the World Cup, did not play in PSG’s French Cup victory over third-tier Chateauroux.

But he could get the start against Angers, who are bottom of the table and have lost their last nine league games.

Messi’s approach to the second half of the season in France after a career-defining World Cup will be closely watched, as his initial two-year contract in Paris expires.

The Qatar-owned club, however, is in talks to extend his contract, with coach Christophe Galtier insisting the former Barcelona star is settled in Paris.

“I know there are talks and that the club has spoken to Leo, but I don’t know where they are at,” Galtier told reporters on Tuesday.

“Leo seems to me to be happy in Paris and I think there is a real desire on behalf of the club to extend Leo’s contract,” added Galtier, who said that Luis Campos, PSG’s football advisor, was in discussions with Messi’s representatives along with president Nasser al-Khelaifi.

Also Read

Lionel Messi left Argentina to join PSG

Lionel Messi flies to Paris from his hometown of Rosario. Argentina captain...