Twitter explodes as magical Lionel Messi spearheads PSG to 3-1 comeback win against Maccabi Haifa
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a 3-1 comeback victory over a brave Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League on September 14, courtesy of Lionel Messi's brilliance.
Fans have lauded the superstar's performance on Twitter on a record-setting night where he became the first player to score against 39 different teams in the competition.
It was an open encounter from the get-go at the Sammy Ofer Stadium. Kylian Mbappe went close on two occasions early on.
Maccabi forwards Frantdzy Pierrot and Tjarron Chery were a nuisance for the Paris defense throughout the game.
There were early warning signs about the duo's threat.
It was Chery who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. The Suriname international met winger Dolev Haziza's fantastic cross to fire the Israeli side ahead.
It was the Green's first goal in the Champions League proper in over 20 years.
The front three of Messi, Mbappe and Neymar were kept relatively quiet up until the 36th minute.
A pinball-like situation in the Maccabi box saw the ball fall to Lionel Messi, who calmly placed home a vital equalizer to spare PSG's blushes.
Maccabi had their fair share of changes at the start of the second half. Teams may be taking notice of Chery as he stood out throughout the clash.
Messi went close on two occasions before turning provider for Mbappe in the 69th minute.
The Argentine's sublime pass played in the French forward, who slotted past goalkeeper Josh Cohen.
Neymar then rounded off the win for PSG in the 88th minute. Marco Verratti provided the assist.
The diminutive Argentine ended the game with seven shots, 91% passing accuracy, two key passes and six successful ground duels'
The Israeli outfit performed admirably on the night and if it wasn't for Messi's magic, they may have got something out of the game.
Here are some reactions from fans on Twitter to another Messi masterclass in the Champions League:
After his goal tonight, Messi has officially surpassed Pele and has the most goal contributions in football history.
Pele: 1111 g/a
Messi: 1112 g/a π https://t.co/hcZIGCTMgg
Messi scored in Champions League. Also water is wet.
Lionel Messi passes Cristiano Ronaldo for most opponents scored against in the Champions League -- 39 different teams.
π things. https://t.co/iD5BmnosfX
If you genuinely watch PSG and not just their highlights itβs beyond me how somebody can think Mbappe is world classβ¦ his speed puts him in the right spots to score. His passing and dribbling are extremely inconsistent and his lack of IQ shows when put next to Messi and Neymar.
Mbappe highlights & Skills vs Maccabi Haifa π₯π₯π₯΅π₯΅π₯΅ β’ Better than Haaland ? https://t.co/3HscukSdKh
Lionel Messiβs half by numbers vs. Maccabi Haifa:
90% pass accuracy
4 ground duels won
1 cross completed
1 key pas
1 shot
1 goal
Easy finish. β https://t.co/5u8wU1ssMj
Messi lost the ball and Maccabi Haifa scored πππ
@TheEuropeanLad PSG AINT SERIOUS π
Lionel Messi becomes the first player in history to score for 18 consecutive Champions League seasons. https://t.co/uxwAknp2x3
Lional Messi π
2-1 PSG.
KYLIAN MBAPPE WITH A CLINICAL FINISH! MESSI WITH THE ASSIST! https://t.co/EcVlnOEWB6
Messi scores for the 18th consecutive season in the Champions League. Yes, eighteenth. π€―
Another Champions League record for the one and only Lionel Messi π€©
#UCL https://t.co/37DcGpHpJe
@ChampionsLeague Someone better than me??!πβ½οΈ https://t.co/fhfCTU6TWF
@PSG_English @neymarjr And the trio made it complete ....
Messi
π °οΈ Messi
β½οΈ @KMbappe
You love to see it.
#π πππ£π¦π https://t.co/vI6ONlqSos
PSG struggle so much with crosses and aerial duels. Lost all of them against Juventus. Donβt think their backline is ready to take them to winning the Champions League.
Messi, Mbappe, Neymar all on the scoresheet π«
Mbappe is overrated. I said it
Chery celebrates M. Haifa's first group stage goal since November 2002!
#UCL https://t.co/VgDrrOrdEs
PSG players working hard for their money against security guards.
The goalscorer for Haifa is a 35 year old midfielder from Suriname who just last year made his first appearance for their national team. Suriname. Scoring past big Gigi Donnarumma
Oh yes @neymarjr!
#π πππ£π¦π https://t.co/JxiUKcMiD3
This is the difference with Galtier vs Poch.
PSG were poor by their lofty standards tonight. But, their system is so well structured that it gets their 3 monsters in great positions to succeed.
Neymar relatively quiet, MbappΓ© with a solid game, and Messi with a great game.
Lionel Messi may finally lead PSG to Champions League glory
Lionel Messi hasn't won the Champions League since 2015 when his Barcelona side beat Juventus in the final.
It is astounding to have to go that far back for the last time the iconic Argentine lifted Europe's elite club trophy.
The legendary forward has been, for many, the greatest player of all time and it would be fitting to see him win the European title once again.
This time, however, it would be in PSG colors. This would gift the Ligue 1 giants their first ever Champions League glory.
Galtier needs to deal with the issues within the side as there are still moments of nervousness at the back.
But PSG will be in among the favorites if the front three continue firing and Messi continues his current mesmerizing form.
The Argentinian now has five goals and eight assists in 10 appearances in all competitions.
He dug the Parisians out of a hole with his man-of-the-match performance in tonight's game.