Lionel Messi has made his triumphant return to Paris Saint-Germain.

The little genius was given an extended break by the club after Argentina's memorable 2022 World Cup win.

Messi was the star of the show in Qatar, scoring seven goals and winning the coveted Golden Ball award.

But the celebrations for Messi and his Argentine teammates - which looked pretty darn epic - are now over and it's back to business.

However, before Messi took part in a first training session back at PSG, he was given a hero's welcome.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner received a Guard of Honour and was then presented with another award while his teammates applauded him.

To borrow an overused cliche, you just love to see it...

Video: Messi receives hero's welcome on PSG return

Messi always looks so humble, doesn't he?

It was a lovely celebration of the great man's historic achievement, although it wasn't quite as special as the welcome Alexis Mac Allister got from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Read more - Brighton’s welcome for Argentina World Cup hero Alexis Mac Allister was incredible

But given that it was France who lost the World Cup final to Argentina, PSG were never going to go completely wild when Messi arrived.

And that's fair enough.

Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup trophy

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner's Trophy during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Where was Kylian Mbappe?

One player noticeably absent in the footage above is Mbappe, who like Messi lit up the World Cup and the final.

So where was Mbappe? No, he didn't refuse to acknowledge his teammate.

The French superstar is currently in the United States of America with close friend Achraf Hakimi, with the pair recently attending a basketball game.

And Mbappe was certainly a popular guy at the Barclays Center in the New York borough of Brooklyn.

Video: Fans went wild when Mbappe was shown on screen

Like Messi, the guy is a bona fide sporting superstar.

Mbappe and Messi will likely resume their devastating partnership with PSG next Wednesday, when the team host Angers in Ligue 1.

After the team suffered a shock 3-1 defeat to title rivals Lens last time out, the onus will be on them to make a serious statement at the Parc Des Princes.

With Mbappe and Messi back together, along with Neymar's return from suspension, that is firmly on the cards.


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