Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Lionel Messi gave Maccabi Haifa a ruthless attacking lesson on Tuesday, October 25 as the Parisians beat their Israeli guests 7-2.
The hosts started the affair by putting Maccabi on the back foot almost immediately. Fabian Ruiz had the game’s first big chance but the central midfielder missed his shot. Neymar Jr. also had an important chance to open the scoring as the keeper went wide of his line. However, the Brazilian striker didn’t capitalize on his chance and instead missed.
Finally, in the 19th minute, it was Messi who secured PSG’s opener as Kylian Mbappe became the Argentinian’s kit supplier. The Frenchman received a header from Messi deep inside the box but couldn’t complete the goal as he got tight. He put it back on the former Barcelona legend, who wasted no time in rolling it to put the Parisians in front.
The game went into high gear as soon as the goals came. Mbappe was next to put his name on the scoresheet with a Messi-esque curler in the 32nd minute. Remarkably, the forward tried to serve up Messi but he was intercepted and he latched on to the loose ball before making his attempt.
Neymar scored next three minutes later, making up for his missed chance early in the game. PSG broke on a quick counterattack, with Messi connecting well with Mbappe and Neymar. The keeper charged the Brazilian striker but didn’t stand a chance as Neymar fired it straight over him.
After a well-practiced Maccabi Haifa free-kick, they pulled one back. The unsuspecting Paris defense didn’t get the high ball in time, but Abdoulaye Seck did. In the 38th minute, he headed past Gianluigi Donnarumma into the goal.
Just before half-time, Messi scored another goal. After a pass from Mbappe, the legend dribbled past his markers before firing a low shot past the keeper to give PSG their fourth goal of the game.
Maccabi Haifa scores another goal but fails to stop Lionel Messi and PSG
A brilliant start for the visitors ensured they confused the Parisians with a series of chances. Their efforts finally paid off as Seck scored his second goal of the evening to make it 4-2 after 50 minutes.
However, it wasn’t enough to stop the hosts from consummating their defeat. Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi linked well to score the Parisians’ fifth goal of the night. The right-back’s pass from distance saw Mbappe slice into the box before rolling into the top corner in the 64th minute.
Three minutes later, a cross from Sean Goldberg following a cross from Neymar gave the hosts the six as they continued to rush their visitors relentlessly in the last third. Messi especially had the chance to secure his hat-trick but hit the post late in the game.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner secured another assist instead, directing a pass to Carlos Soler, converting it with six minutes to 90.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to PSG’s 7-2 win over Maccabi Haifa:
Alhamdulilah for being able to witness Lionel Messi’s entire career.
Alhamdulilah for being able to witness Lionel Messi’s entire career.
Messi no longer uses fast pace and slalom runs. He uses “Pausa”. He thinks. He surveys. He weighs his options.
And he’s now a creative midfielder…who scores goals randomly.
Messi no longer uses fast pace and slalom runs. He uses “Pausa”. He thinks. He surveys. He weighs his options. And he’s now a creative midfielder…who scores goals randomly.
Messi has more goals today (4) than Ronaldo this season (3)🤣
Messi has more goals today (4) than Ronaldo this season (3)🤣
Messi is now the first player in Europe to have double-digit goals and assists this season. Not bad for a system player
Messi is now the first player in Europe to have double-digit goals and assists this season. Not bad for a system player
Messi seems more interested in getting another assist than his hat-trick. It’s really built differently
Messi seems more interested in getting another assist than his hat-trick. He is really built differently 😂
Your goat can’t even score against Omonia but it’s Messi’s 2 goals against Maccabi Haifa that you’re complaining about😭😭😭
At 35, Messi is still the best player in the world.
Don’t be fooled by an off-season.
At 35, Messi is still the best player in the world. Don’t be fooled by an off-season.
Lionel Messi is on the verge of winning his 8th Balon D’or in an era where Mbappe and Haaland are set to take his reign at the helm
Lionel Messi is on the verge of winning his 8th Balon D’or in an era where Mbappe and Haaland are set to take his reign at the helm
2 goals and 2 assists for Lionel Messi tonight. This season will be really fun for Messi Fc 😂😂😂😂🐐
Messi, we know you love assisting.
We need one more goal pleaseeeeeee
Messi, we know you love assisting. We need one more goal pleaseeeeeee
Messi makes football look so easy. The little wizard is just too much
Messi makes football look so easy. The little magician is just too much 💯
If you don’t see Messi this season, you’re missing out.
If you don’t see Messi this season, you’re missing out.
Messi vs Maccabi Haifa:
2 goals and 2 assists
Ronaldo this season:
2 goals and 1 assist
Messi vs Maccabi Haifa: 2 goals and 2 assists Ronaldo this season: 2 goals and 1 assist
Messi contributed to 4 goals tonight. 2 goals and 2 assists. Aren’t you entertained???
Messi contributed to 4 goals tonight. 2 goals and 2 assists. Aren’t you entertained???
2 & 2 – Lionel Messi is the oldest player in UEFA Champions League history to score twice and provide two assists in one game (35 years, 123 days). multifaceted.
2 & 2 – Lionel Messi is the oldest player in UEFA Champions League history to score twice and provide two assists in one game (35 years, 123 days). multifaceted.
Kylian Mbappe has 8 goals + assists in Champions League this season. No player has more.
Phenomenon.
Kylian Mbappe has 8 goals + assists in Champions League this season. No player has more. Phenomenon. 🐢
Messi FC begs Messi to score a hat-trick after scoring two goals and assists.
Ronaldo FC begs Ronaldo to do everything he can to impress Ten Hag in training so he can start instead of sitting on the bench 🤣🤣
They’re levels to these goat things.
Messi FC begs Messi to score a hat-trick after scoring two goals and assists. Ronaldo FC begs Ronaldo to do everything he can to impress Ten Hag in training so he can start instead of sitting on the bench.
Sorry to say but if you still don’t recognize Messi as a GOAT. Stop watching football.🏾
Even real Ronaldo fans confirm that.
Sorry to say that, but if you still don’t recognize Messi as a 🐐GOAT. Stop watching football.🙏🏾Even true Ronaldo fans agree.
Mark my words, Messi will end up as UCL top scorer. Any record Ronaldo thinks he has in UCL, Messi will wipe every single one of them and make Ronaldo IRRELEVANT in UCL. Messi is the GOAT and that is an undeniable fact. We’re moving.
Mark my words, Messi will end up as UCL top scorer. Any record Ronaldo thinks he has in UCL, Messi will wipe every single one of them and make Ronaldo IRRELEVANT in UCL. Messi is the GOAT 🐐 and that is an undeniable fact. We’re moving.
So despite everything Messi does, people still believe that Ronaldo is the goat? Are you drunk?
So despite everything Messi does, people still believe that Ronaldo is the goat? Are you drunk?
Group H leaders PSG now have 11 points from five Champions League games, the same as second-placed Benfica, who have a smaller goal difference.
Source : sportskeeda.com