Neymar is back with PSG and Mbappé - but when does Messi return?
When will the trio of stars be back together at PSG training?
Neymar returned to PSG training today, just 12 days after being eliminated from the World Cup by Croatia and only one after teammate and World Cup finalist, Kylian Mbappé made a surprise appearance at the Camp des Loges facility.
The Brazilian national team suffered World Cup heartbreak at the hands and feet of Luka Modric’s relentless side, who defeated the 5-time champions on penalties after a breathless 1-1 draw, which saw Neymar himself score arguably the best goal of the entire tournament.
Neymar missed the final two games of the Brazilian group stage with an ankle injury he sustained in the opening game, a 2-0 win over Serbia (remember that Richarlison goal?) but returned in fine form, almost putting his team through single-handedly. The forward was back at training alongside international teammate Marquinhos, who missed the crucial penalty in the shootout.
PSG’s first game back is against Strasbourg on 28 December: both of the Brazilians could feature.
1 - Lionel Messi yesterday became the first ever South American player to score in both a World Cup and European Cup/Champions League final. Greatest. pic.twitter.com/5Ylh6WyhWY
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 19, 2022
When does Lionel Messi return to training?
World Cup winner Leo Messi is still on holiday, currently enjoying the celebrations in his native Argentina after beating France - and club teammate Kylian Mbappé - on penalties in the final. He is expected to return at some point in January, when his potential contract extension will also be discussed, but an exact date is not known.