With Lionel Messi set to return to club action for the first time since his 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph, Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly made a big decision regarding the Argentine superstar ahead of the match.
Messi is expected to be involved in his first game of 2023 when PSG take on bottom side Angers on Wednesday night, having been included in the matchday squad for the Ligue 1 tie.
The 35-year-old was given an extended break following his triumph with Argentina in Qatar, and was welcomed back to PSG with a rousing guard of honour and a special trophy upon his return to the team's Camp des Loges training facility last week.
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Some believed the club would organise a special tribute for the player's recent achievement in front of the team's supporters in the next match he plays for them, but there were concerns such a presentation would trigger a negative reaction from French fans and teammate Kylian Mbappe, who admitted to being heartbroken after losing the World Cup final to the Albiceleste on penalties.
Amid those doubts, French outlet Le Parisien has now reported that PSG have decided against hosting a special tribute for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner ahead of their match against Angers on Wednesday night.
It is said the club considers the welcome he received on his return to training last week, when he was celebrated with the aforementioned guard of honour and the accolade handed to him by sporting director Luis Campos, was enough to commemorate his success.
PSG are also believed to feel that too much time has passed since the final, which took place on 18 December 2022.
Prior to news of the Ligue 1 champions' reported decision, manager Christophe Galtier was confident Messi would be met with a good reception by the club's fans despite breaking French hearts in Qatar.
"I have no doubt that he will be very well received at the Parc [des Princes]," the head coach said after the club's recent game against Lens.
"Above all, now that he has achieved this incredible goal, we must remember what he has been doing since the start of the season with the team. He is a decisive player for us.
"So I have no doubt that he will be very well received."
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Before PSG's fixture against Chateauroux last week, the tactician had also hinted that a celebration of Messi's World Cup triumph might not happen.
"Everyone is happy to see him. Will there be a celebration at the Parc des Princes? We'll see when his next game is but there's no demand and a need from Leo to be celebrated," he said.
"He is world champion, he is an extraordinary player. I hope it will be celebrated by the supporters.
"We are very, very lucky to have a player like Leo Messi. There's no reason it shouldn't be celebrated."
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