WHEN WILL MESSI RETURN TO PSG? COACH GALTIER ANNOUNCES A RETURN DATE FOLLOWING A 3-1 LOSS TO LENS.

Paris Saint-Germain, who were missing World Cup winners Lionel Messi and Neymar, were crushed 3-1 at Lens on Sunday, their first defeat in any competition since March 20 of last year.

“Lens deserved to win,” PSG coach Christophe Galtier stated.

Lens, who have only lost once in Ligue 1 this season, narrowed the distance on PSG at the top to four points after 17 matches, thanks to a goal and an assist from Lois Openda.

PSG’s previous defeat came more than nine months ago, when they were defeated 3-0 at Monaco in Ligue 1, while remaining 12 points clear at the top of the standings.

PSG were without Messi and suspended Brazilian Neymar on Sunday against Lens, but Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe received a thunderous welcome from the Lens fans as he warmed up.

Galtier expressed hope that Messi will receive a similar reception from French supporters.

“He’ll join us on January 3 in 48 hours,” Galtier said. “I’m hoping Leo is well welcomed. He received the most gorgeous award by being exceptionally talented. We know he’s a great and decisive player, so we certainly hope he’ll be well accepted.”

“Kylian worked hard,” Galtier stated. “He had a very positive attitude.”

“Ney and Leo were not present, but that is no excuse.”

Lens grabbed the lead after five minutes after PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma stopped a shot from Massadio Haidara, which was scored by Przemyslaw Frankowski.

Hugo Ekitike responded three minutes later, swinging hard as Brice Samba dived to grab a cross and smashing the ball through the fingers of the Lens goalie.

After 28 minutes, Lens seized control. Seko Fofana won control on the edge of his own box, drove past a couple of challenges, and then measured a pass to Openda between the PSG central defenders. The Belgian raced clear and snuck a shot beneath Donnarumma.

Lens pressed at the opening of the second half and won control deep in PSG territory in the 48th minute.

When the ball reached Openda in the box, his backheel caught the defense off guard and allowed Alexis Claude Maurice to score from close range.