Mbappé returns to training with PSG after the World Cup 0:29
(CNN) --
Just 10 days after losing the 2022 World Cup final, Kylian Mbappé saved Paris Saint-Germain with a last-gasp penalty as his team beat RC Strasbourg 2-1 in La Ligue on Wednesday.
Mbappé, who finished on the losing side against Argentina in the Qatar 2022 grand final despite scoring a hat-trick, did not appear to suffer any ill effects in his first match for PSG since the World Cup.
The 24-year-old stepped up to score the game-winner from the penalty spot in the 96th minute, virtually the last shot of the match.
Marquinhos had given PSG a first-half lead, but the defender inadvertently scored an own goal after half-time.
With hopes of a victory fading, Mbappé used his speed and movement to get behind the Strasbourg defense before being clumsily brought down from behind.
With Messi yet to return from celebrating his World Cup victory in Argentina, Mbappé converted the penalty himself to put PSG eight points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
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Mbappé's goal also saved Neymar Jr.'s blushes after the Brazilian was sent off in humiliating circumstances earlier in the match.
Neymar was booked twice in as many minutes, the second for a dive in the Strasbourg area.
The 30-year-old Brazil international went to the ground despite the defender not touching, as he had done earlier in the match.
PSG striker Neymar reacts after receiving a red card from referee Clement Turpin on Wednesday.
(Credit: JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP/AFP via Getty Images)
Mbappé continues after the World Cup
It was testament to Mbappé's mentality that he was back to winning games for PSG just over a week after what was arguably the biggest disappointment of his career.
France were beaten by Argentina in arguably the best final in World Cup history despite Mbappé's heroics at the Lusail Stadium.
Why Argentina's victory over France was the best World Cup final in history
Fans inside the Parque de los Príncipes welcomed Mbappé by chanting his name during Wednesday's match and the superstar is looking forward to getting on with the rest of the season.
"It makes you feel good.
I thank the fans, ”he told PSG TV after Wednesday's game.
"When you come back from a situation like the one I went through at the World Cup, it's always comforting to know that you're back home and it really makes you happy."
Messi is not expected to return from his celebrations until after PSG's next league game against Lens on Sunday.
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