Twitter erupts as Lionel Messi shines in PSG's victory over Saint-Etienne

Messi was on fire in the win against Saint-Etienne

Lionel Messi was once again a standout player as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) beat Saint-Etienne 3-1 in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

The Argentine started on the right side of the attack as part of a front-three that included Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Danilo Pereira replaced the injured Marco Verratti in midfield. Meanwhile, Nuno Mendes and Gianluigi Donnarumma also returned to the squad, having not featured in the loss against Nantes last time out.

The game started terribly for PSG as Saint-Etienne took an early lead courtesy of Denis Bouanga. Pereira was dispossessed by the Gabonese forward who then calmly slotted past Donnarumma in goal. This was the worst possible start for the French giants, who were looking to bounce back from their defeat against Nantes last week.

Saint-Etienne came close to doubling their lead in the 26th minute but Donnarumma produced a stunning save to keep Ryad Boudebouz out. The save seemed to have woken PSG up, with Pochettino's side then pressing hard in search of an equalizer.

Their pressure would pay off in the 42nd minute after Lionel Messi played through Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman's strike was powerful enough to go through Paul Bernardoni's hands and into the back of the net. The goalkeeper really should have saved his effort, but PSG's goal was fully warranted based on the balance of play.

The second half started in the same vein, with Pochettino's side coming out of the blocks on fire. Lionel Messi's pass looked intended for substitute Angel Di Maria, but reached Mbappe. He was again on hand, beating the Argentine to the ball to fire past Bernardoni to make it 2-1 in the 47th minute.

Five minutes later, the Frenchman would turn provider, curling in a wonderful ball with the outside of his right foot for Pereira to power in a header. That goal ended the game as a contest as the Parisians cruised to victory.

Pochettino's side are now 16 points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table. The French giants face second-placed Nice next weekend before traveling to Spain to take on Real Madrid in the second-leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.

Lionel Messi continues his good form for PSG

Lionel Messi provided two assists on the night and was a constant threat down the right flank. The Argentine has now scored two goals and provided 10 assists in his 16 league games so far this season.

Pochettino will be delighted with his compatriot's form and will hope the forward can carry on in the same vein for the rest of the campaign.

With that being said, here are the best Twitter reactions to PSG's 3-1 win over Saint-Etienne in Ligue 1:

🔚 C'est terminé !

Une très belle entame de 2nde période pour assurer la victoire ! (3-1)
#PSGASSE

🔴🔵 #ICICESTPARIS https://t.co/xjHFAmAPJd

The vision from Lionel Messi 😍

Kylian Mbappe finds the equaliser for PSG but this one is all about the genius wearing number 30 🙌 https://t.co/Mx0w5K1qmi

Lionel Messi is just something else🥰
Second assist of the night⛸️
Second goal for PSG⚽ https://t.co/DrkuulLhjc

Mbappe levels the score for PSG but what a magnificent assist by 🐐Messi to architect this goal from virtually nothing. If anyone thinks Messi is finished, you don’t really understand the game of football. https://t.co/poynFCIKBa

- Top assist provider in Ligue 1
- Most assists this year (6)
- 18 G/A in 23 games with PSG
- G/A every 79 mins this year

Leo Messi is far from finished #Messi𓃵 https://t.co/6mvAClPQy5

Messi is now carrying PSG with assists. Master provider! 🐐

📊 Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe both have participated directly in [81.2%] of Paris Saint-Germain's goals since November 2021. @argentidata #PSG🇫🇷 https://t.co/MYx2Hze14Y

Leo Messi’s game in numbers ⚡️🇦🇷

• 2 assists
• 87 touches
• 6 key passes
• 5 longs balls
• 3 dribbles
• 5 duels won

Great game 👏🏻 #PSGASSE

Lionel Messi captaining the team while PSG was 1 goal down, even though he isn't the captain, will not be talked about enough

https://t.co/w3l2nTOmkT

Lionel Messi has 17 G/A in 23 games for PSG. Making five consecutive assists in the last five games.

They say he's struggling.

Another Messi assist for Psg, man influencing games even without scoring not like the other guy

@PSG_inside @KMbappe @Ibra_official Messi and Mbappé are the greatest duo in world football. https://t.co/1lcKjF88yb

“Messi doesn’t score.” Yes, bc he’s essentially a midfielder on PSG. Watch a PSG game for just 5 min. and look at how far back he plays. Look at how often he’s level with the mid, often even further behind. And he’s still serving insane assists from there. #psg #Messi𓃵 https://t.co/pTSayCQFoG

Lionel Messi is the player with the MOST assists in Ligue 1.

He has missed ELEVEN games through injury and Covid. Insane. https://t.co/Nr17tzq3zP

Messi casually dropping a 9.1 without any goals, creating 6 chances including 2 assists.

My 🐐 https://t.co/g6ySefKUy2

This Messi and Mbappé duo is one for the ages man, way too good

Messi and Mbappe are the two best players in the world right now
🐢 x 🐐 https://t.co/FIjCpyl7yD

Yeah man Mbappe is the best player in the world right now, this might actually be his year to go all the way.

For the first time in his career, Kylian Mbappé has scored 10+ goals and provided 10+ assists in a single league season:

◎ 24 games
◉ 14 goals
◉ 10 assists

Achievement unlocked: Double-Double. 🔓 https://t.co/y3l4xD9f1U

Mbappe has equalized Zlatan's Scoring for PSG

1️⃣ 5️⃣ 6️⃣ GOALS 🔥 https://t.co/TtIq2AHCdy