Highlights:
- Lionel Messi’s epic free-kick winner in added time secured a dramatic victory for PSG against Lille.
- Kylian Mbappe made a strong start in his first appearance after missing two weeks due to injury and scored the opening goal with individual skill.
- Lille made a comeback after PSG’s two goals, but Mbappe and Messi’s efforts gave PSG the win.
Once more, Lionel Messi delivered the unexpected by scoring the game-winning free kick in added time of Paris Saint-Ligue Germain’s 1 match against Lille. Messi saved PSG from a 3-3 draw, which would have been their worst result since club football resumed following the FIFA World Cup.
As soon as Messi set it up…
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 19, 2023
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With PSG having dropped several points prior to the fixture, Lionel Messi’s 61st free-kick in all matches proved to be the decisive factor that separated the two teams. Although Lille almost caught the hosts off guard within the first 40 seconds, as Timothy Weah’s low shot deflected wickedly, Gianluigi Donnarumma was quick to react, saving the ball with his legs.
Nevertheless, PSG rapidly gained momentum after the early scare at the Parc des Princes. Messi, after being set up by Neymar, hit the target from a narrow angle, helping PSG take control of the game.
After missing two weeks due to injury, Kylian Mbappe made a strong start in his first appearance, scoring the opening goal in the 11th minute through a remarkable display of individual skill. He effortlessly glided past two defenders and fired a shot beneath the goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
Although the game was not without its faults, Mbappe expressed his satisfaction, stating to Prime Video, “Despite making several errors, we have demonstrated that we can persevere in unfavorable situations. Our team is different, we can overcome obstacles.”
Just six minutes after their first goal, Christophe Galtier’s team scored again, with Neymar capitalizing on a slick move to finish off a Vitinha cross, doubling their lead. However, Lille refused to be subdued, as Jonathan David unleashed a powerful header, forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma to make a crucial save. Not long after, Bafode Diakite rose high to head in Andre Gomes’ cross, getting Lille back into the game with a goal in the 24th minute.
PSG faced an early setback in the second half as Neymar, their forward, was stretchered off with a suspected ankle injury. Lille took advantage of the situation and earned a penalty when Tiago Djalo’s shirt was tugged by Marco Verratti. Jonathan David stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, levelling the score.
Lille continued to put pressure on PSG and soon took the lead when Andre Gomes delivered a long ball to Jonathan Bamba, who powered his effort past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Lille, however, dropped their guard, allowing Kylian Mbappe to equalize by converting Juan Bernat’s cross.
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In the extra minutes of the game, Messi won a free-kick and skilfully curled it into the bottom corner, scoring his 11th league goal of the season and securing a thrilling victory for PSG.