Discreet return.
Far from the excitement that accompanied all the celebrations of the title of world champion of Argentina, Lionel Messi returned to Paris in the greatest confidentiality this Tuesday afternoon.
After enjoying a final walkabout at Rosario airport and signing jerseys from the fans present there, the seven-time Ballon d'Or took their place aboard a private jet with his wife Antonela Roccuzo and of his sons Mateo, Thiago and Ciro, who wore his father's world champion medal around his neck.
Thirteen flight hours later, the whole Messi family set foot on French soil shortly before 3:15 p.m.
Contrary to the images circulating on social networks, no gigantic welcome committee, like the one which had been reserved for him when he signed in the summer of 2021. The 35-year-old playmaker left Le Bourget airport by a back door before returning to a black van which accompanied him directly to his home in Neuilly-sur-Seine.
The welcome will surely be a little more festive at Camp des Loges this Wednesday when he will meet his PSG partners in training, after two months away from France.
A smooth recovery awaits him before a possible return to competition on January 11 against Angers.
Meanwhile, Mbappé meets Kevin Durant
The reunion with the other hero of the World Cup, Kylian Mbappé, will wait.
After resuming training in the wake of the World Cup in order to help his club in matches against Strasbourg and Lens, the French striker headed to the United States for a few days of vacation.
Accompanied by his faithful friend and teammate Achraf Hakimi, "Kyks" was able to measure how much his exploits during the competition in Qatar had crossed all borders.
Invited to attend the NBA game between the Brooklyn Nets and the San Antonio Spurs on the night of Monday to Tuesday, Mbappé was warmly acclaimed by the New York public.
Giant screens at the Barclays Center showed his goals in the last World Cup final against Argentina between quarters before a camera shone its spotlight on him.
All smiles, the PSG striker installed at the edge of the floor greeted the crowd who responded with a very loud ovation.
“The strongest heard in this room for someone who is not related to basketball,” even estimated the American journalist Alex Schiffer, follower of the Nets.
The World Cup top scorer was presented with a Nets jersey from NBA superstar Kevin Durant and then headed into the franchise's Brooklyn-based locker room.
Star privilege, Mbappé was even able to hold a short speech.
“Great game guys, congratulations.
It was really fun to watch.
Good luck for the season, ”he told the players in perfect English before stringing the hugs.
No other NBA game is currently scheduled.
But in a country where soccer is far from being the king sport, Mbappé has already conquered his world.