Messi scores first PSG goal in Champions League win over Man City

Lionel Messi scored his first Champions League goal for Paris Saint-Germain when they faced off with Manchester City. The Argentine star curled a beautiful left-footed effort from the edge of the box. However, he had to wait until the 74th minute for Messi to score, giving his team a two-goal advantage. This was one of the tough matches for betting fans to decide as the two tournament favorites locked horns. One would need to read reliable betting news to be able to analyze such a match well and place your vagers. 

PSG got the opener through midfielder Idrissa Gueye. On the other hand, Pep Guardiola’s men couldn’t find an equalizer as Raheem Sterling and Bernado Silva came close but were both denied by the bar. 

Guardiola – Messi Is Unstoppable!

Messi’s goal was vital as it was his first champions league goal for his new club after his transfer from Barcelona in the summer. After the match, Pep Guardiola referred to Messi as unstoppable. Guardiola previously coached the Argentine in Barcelona, where they won two champions league titles together. 

The City manager claimed that his team has dealt with PSG well, but he also claimed it was impossible to contain Messi for the entire 90 minutes. 

However, Messi did not see much of the ball, meaning the Citizens did their best to contain him. On the other hand, this could be because he was coming from injury and is still trying to find his rhythm. 

Guardiola also praised other PSG players, such as Marco Verrati, whom he claimed is an exceptional player. He also mentioned Neymar as the other player who caused his team problems. 

Messi’s Defensive Duties

Messi did not just score a goal for his team; he also defended the win. For instance, he was pictured laying down behind a defensive wall during a free-kick to prevent any underneath shots from going through. His move even surprised his goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.  

However, Rio Ferdinand, former England and Manchester United defender, claimed that Messi’s statue in the game does not allow him to perform such a duty. Rio stated that when Pochettino asked Messi to do that in the training ground, someone should have said no! In fact, Rio added that if he were part of the PSG team, he would have asked Messi to let him lay down for him. 

Messi is on a 2-year contract with the French giants. He had already had his controversial moments when his manager subbed him during the match against Lyon. The two did not shake hands as Messi headed for the bench. 

The goal was Messi’s 121st in the Champions League. It was also his 27th in 35 matches he has played against English teams. Additionally, it made him the second player after Karim Benzema to score in 17 consecutive Champions League seasons. 

After the match, Messi claimed he was adapting to his new team and was hoping to create a better relationship with them. It remains to be seen whether the Argentine will help PSG win the elusive Champions League title.  

For all the latest sports news follow PledgeSports on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.