Angers will remember the genius of Lionel Messi. In a Raymond-Kopa stadium where he had never evolved before, the Argentine superstar world champion in December 2022 did not miss the presentations with the public of the SCO. Spared a year ago almost to the day (April 20, 2022, 0-3) for an inflammation of the Achilles tendon which had deprived him of travel to Maine-et-Loire, he was this time on his feet and inspired . To the delight of balloon lovers. Fewer of his opponents who suffered greatly from his vista, his hooks and his sense of the pass.
Like the RC Lens Saturday April 15, the Angevin defense suffered the tariff imposed by the sevenfold Ballon d’Or and his friend Kylian Mbappé who, thanks to a double, takes the lead in the championship scorer rankings (22 goals) ahead of Lille’s David (20). At the moment, these two find themselves with their eyes closed. Especially when, as was the case on Friday night, they are given too much space to finish the actions or organize the game.
That, the sevenfold Ballon d’Or knows how to do. He doesn’t need anyone to set the pace and trigger his team’s offensives. At a glance, he signed the pass that changed everything for Juan Bernat on the opener. It is still him who finds Mbappé for the second goal of a beautiful opening in space, before his younger brother crochets Bernardoni to slip the leather into the empty goal.
The Pulga certainly does not have the same expenditure of energy as “KMB”, but it is no less decisive (8 goals, 5 assists) than its friend in Ligue 1 (9 goals, 3 assists) since the start of the season. ‘year. On the field of Angers, he became the first player to reach the bar of 15 goals and 15 assists in the same season in the top flight since Eden Hazard in 2011-2012 (20 and 16) and Mbappé in 2021-1922 (28 and 17).
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He could even have increased his total goals without a good save from Paul Bernardoni as half-time approached (43rd). It is true that we saw him shine less after the break, a little like his copy of last week against Blood and Gold. But the most important thing was done. In the dosage, the application and the vision of the game, Messi showed an excellent face during a big half against Angevins already in the hole and deprived of several elements.
Will he still be there next season? ? As his contract ends on June 30, 2023, mystery continues to hover around his future. Despite an agreement in principle found during the World Cup, the discussions are for the time being to the point of death. In Paris, it is internally hinted that the Argentine would no longer be part of the plans. His board holds a different sound. When in doubt, take advantage! Let’s continue to revel in his craziest gestures. He has not always been at this level in red and blue, especially against Bayern. But that’s just beautiful, it’s just great. It’s Messi.
