Paris Saint Germain took small revenge on Manchester City by winning their much anticipated Champions League encounter at Parc des Princes 2-0.
PSG was knocked out of last season’s semifinals by City. Lionel Messi played the entire game and scored his first goal in the PSG shirt. After 74 minutes, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner put a beautiful sniper shot past Ederson, turning the scoreboard to 2-0. The first goal in the game was scored by Idrissa Gueye after just eight minutes.
PSG is at the top of Group A in the Champions League on four points, with Club Brugge second. The Belgian champions won 2-1 in Leipzig and have the same number of points as PSG, who lead thanks to their superior goal difference.
📢 Comme à son habitude, le 12ème homme a joué son rôle à merveille au ð’«ð’¶ð“‡ð’¸ ð’¹â„¯ð“ˆ ð’«ð“‡ð’¾ð“ƒð’¸â„¯ð“ˆ â¤ï¸ðŸ’™ pic.twitter.com/A3X7ObrQAQ
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) September 28, 2021
How did Messi score?
It took Messi four outings to score his first goal, but when he did, he made sure it was in pure “Messi style.” The Argentinean got the ball near the center, advanced into Manchester City’s half, then passed it briefly to Mbappe. The skillful Frenchman had a fantastic first touch, basically offering Messi the possibility to eye the top corner from the edge of the box. That’s exactly where the ball was sent, with no chance for Ederson to do anything other than be amazed. You can watch the goal here.
“We won against a great rival, it’s great for us that we did it. I’m also very happy to have scored,” Messi told Canal+ as he left the pitch. “I was very eager to play this game. I’m happy with the outcome, it’s important to go on like this,” he said.
PSG’s faithful chanted his name throughout the game, while social media also put him in the trending topics.
Oh I say. Messi scores a wonder goal. Of course he does. Sensational.
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) September 28, 2021
According to Opta Sports, Messi has scored more UEFA Champions League goals against Man City (seven) than any other player. His seven goals against sides managed by Pep Guardiola (two vs Bayern Munich, five against Man City with him as manager) are also the most of any player.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chYBTmIWo2A
“If Messi is happy in Paris, I am so happy for Leo. And also let me say, I’m in love with Marco Verratti. He’s an exceptional player. He’s small, but you can always count on him,” Guardiola remarked after the game “It was a good performance. We did everything but score. We defended well, they defended deep and a counterattack from them is always dangerous. That’s football. My biggest compliment to the team,” Guardiola said.
