Lionel Messi was again decisive in the victory of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) over Rennes (1-0) on Friday in Ligue 1.
The striker provided an assist to Kylian Mbappé in the 93rd minute of the game, allowing PSG to widen a gap of 16 points at the top of the table.
Mauricio Pochettino experimented with his front line, opting for Messi to lead the attack, with Mbappe and Xavi Simons on either flank, with Angel Di Maria left on the bench. Julian Draxler and Juan Bernat also started, while Keylor Navas replaced Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.
The match started at a high pace, with Benjamin Bourigeaud causing problems for PSG early on. Rennes seemed to be in control of the game and Mauricio Pochettino’s side failed to create meaningful chances. However, in the 34th minute, Marco Verratti launched Mbappé into space on the left flank and the Frenchman saw his shot go just wide of the post.
Four minutes later, Verratti served Mbappe again and the striker saw his deflected shot graze the post. The French giants were unlucky not to score at the time, as Rennes’ grip on the game loosened. The two teams returned to half-time tied with everything to do in the second half.
The second half began like the first, with Bourigeaud once again causing Bernat problems early in the game. Rennes seemed to be the most motivated team at the time, but it was PSG who got the best chance of the game. Lionel Messi slaloms through a crowd of defenders before finding Draxler at the edge of the box. The German crossed the ball for Mbappé, who got rid of his defender with ease but inexplicably kicked the ball into the side netting with just the goalkeeper to beat.
Few chances were created during the rest of the game. However, in the 93rd minute, Lionel Messi found Mbappe on the left side of the box after some good work from Mauro Icardi. The Frenchman got into position before firing a low shot that trumped Dogan Alemdar in goal and handed Mauricio Pochettino’s side the win. The French giants are now unbeaten in their last 15 league matches.
Lionel Messi continues his great form with PSG
Lionel Messi has been in dazzling form since returning to the team. The Argentine missed a month of football due to COVID-19 but has contributed one goal and three assists in the four games since his return.
Messi has registered seven goals and seven assists in 20 games in all competitions this season. Mbappe’s assist against Rennes is his 14th goal contribution in his last 14 games for the French giants. Mauricio Pochettino hopes his compatriot can continue this form for the rest of the campaign.
That being said, here are the best Twitter reactions to PSG’s 1-0 win over Rennes:
Messi now has one goal and three assists in his last four games for PSG.
You’d have to try harder to convince me that he’s finished 👍 pic.twitter.com/953BUPRvyd
– Stanley📌 (@manlike_stan_) February 11, 2022
Messi hugging Mbappe after assisting him in the 93rd minute to give PSG the lead ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qsfqWS0Hgq
– MessiTeam (@ Lionel10Team) February 11, 2022
🅰️ MESSI ASSIST ‼️
This one counts! PSG break and Messi plays in Mbappe who finishes to give his team a stoppage time victory!
👉 7th PSG assist
👉 199th league assist
👉 275th total club assist
👉 322nd career assist pic.twitter.com/t18cEaSdFa– MessivsRonaldo.app (@mvsrapp) February 11, 2022
Late Winning Goal For Psg. Excellent Goal From Kylian Mbappé and Assist From Leo Messi #Mbappe #Messi #PSGSRFC pic.twitter.com/UydBSr4Gt6
— XeNoN 24 (@24_xenon) February 11, 2022
“ #Messi invents passing lanes, he doesn’t look for them »
What an assist from the Messi to Mbappe to give PSG all three points at 90+3
The GOAT 🐐 🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/k2jIAsGH5O— Iced Cum💙❤ (@nemlicks) February 11, 2022
Shame that Mbappé is PSG’s only quick forward. Messi false 9 with two rapid outlets ahead of him making runs inside from wide for him to find, like the Mbappé goal today, could work very well.
— Raj Chohan (@rajsinghchohan) February 12, 2022
PSG would need individual brilliance from players like Messi and Mbappe to beat Madrid. This team isn’t tactically sound and it’s just a reflection of how terrible the coach is 🧐
– Stanley📌 (@manlike_stan_) February 11, 2022
Psg finished 2nd last season and got messi and now they are on their way to win the the title
Man u finished 2nd last season and got ronaldo they are now 6th
I know who my goat is🐐
— ED🇬🇭 (@EdwinBayern) February 12, 2022
Big Up Legend…😉 pic.twitter.com/7jI4obAd1Y
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) February 11, 2022
Messi and Mbappé are the best duo in the world. pic.twitter.com/f68B5tHLbk
— MC (@CrewsMat10) February 11, 2022
Top assisters in Ligue 1:
1. Dimitri Payet – 9 (20 games)
2. Kylian Mbappé – 9 (22 games)
3. Jonathan Clauss – 9 (22 games)
4. LIONEL MESSI – 7 (14 games)
5. Amine Gouiri – 7 (22 games)I’m sure Messi will have the most by the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/Gd00oerQNU
— R (@Lionel30i) February 11, 2022
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