Twitter explodes as PSG secure hard-fought 2-1 win against Lorient in Lionel Messi's injury absence

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) had to make do without Lionel Messi in their 2-1 win over Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

The Parisians started off on the attack, and were nearly gifted a goal early on in the 7th minute. It was Neymar who had the chance to secure the opener, but the former Barcelona forward didn't catch the ball properly, and it was easy for the goalkeeper to deny him.

However, Neymar was soon vindicated as the Brazilian superstar scored an impressive goal to put PSG ahead. The goal was arguably the hosts' fault as they failed to clear their lines properly. Lorient midfielder Bonke Innocent passed the ball back to his goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo, who failed to get the ball past the three Parisian players blocking his way.

Neymar caught the poor clearance, which fell for Hugo Ekitike. Although the youngster could have gone for the goal on his own, he decided to return the ball to the Samba star. Neymar dribbled past the keeper before putting it into the net, between two Lorient defenders.

There were other chances that came for PSG in the first half, as forward players like Kylian Mbappe had big chances to double the scoreline. Notably, they didn't have Lionel Messi on the pitch, as the Argentine playmaker might have provided an impressive assist or goal in a highly entertaining first half.

However, the Lorient goalkeeper recovered from his earlier gaffe and stood tall to keep out the visitors.

PSG secure all three points without Lionel Messi

The Parisians won't be too pleased with their defending as they conceded a goal early in the second half. It was Terem Moffi who equalized after an impressive through-pass from Enzo Le Fee. Moffi almost picked up a second goal, but

However, PSG had no intentions of sitting back and picking up a single point. They might not have had Lionel Messi to spearhead the attack, but their defenders were on hand to score the winning goal and secure all three points.

An impressive in-swinging corner from Neymar met Danilo Pereira's head, and the defender thumped his header into the back of the net with a good effort. It was enough for the Parisians as they went home with the win, consolidating their seat at the top of Ligue 1.

Here is how Twitter reacted to PSG's win without Lionel Messi:

Neymar this season

👕 19 games
⚽ 15 goals
🅰️ 11 assists https://t.co/dwFyctaBvw

ONE THING ABOUT DANILO IS THAT HE ALWAYS SHOWS UP AT DIFFICULT TIMES https://t.co/jNVw27Dlao

I don’t want PSG to lose in general but especially when Messi is not playing cuz I know what my tl will turn into if that were to happen 💀

Goal 🥅 this psg wan give me high bp 😁😁😁

Ronaldo Captains Man United on the same day when Messi was left out of the squad by PSG

I know my GOAT 🐐 https://t.co/oTmbgiF8eo

Hakimi not liked by PSG. Reunite him with Conte

UCL board should just give us Chelsea vs PSG in the R16 for shege reasons 😂😂🤣

Arsenal and PSG winning, my weekend is good 😌 https://t.co/uAbTUsBvBj

Neymar and Messi is the only two players in the top 5 league to reach double figures for goals and assist in all competitions.

Neymar: 1️⃣6️⃣ goals 1️⃣3️⃣ assists
Messi: 1️⃣6️⃣ goals 1️⃣4️⃣ assists https://t.co/Sh6kGIt5bE

Stop that Neymar. https://t.co/Eu9oZ2O7wh

21 Games
16 Goals
13 assists
29 G/A in 21 games

Neymar Jr is on a mission. https://t.co/PYLzbGhqJw

Neymar Jr in 2022:

36 games
30 goals
18 assists https://t.co/2PICLUy9DM

Mbappe’s ego is too much! Might even be bigger than Ronaldo’s ffs ei

.@KMbappe 🆚 Lorient https://t.co/P7LyaDbfRf

Mbappe was subbed off in the 85th minute and he headed directly to the changing room. injury? #FCLPSG 🔴🔵☹️

Without Messi, mbappe is kinda lazy.. Messi is the best playmaker ever.. I don’t stan rubbish 😁😁 🐐

@TheEuropeanLad Mbappe without Messi https://t.co/32gnI16tzr

@Vettel_AMR @ronaldowngoals Messi is relevant because he's the goat

I’m dead Mbappe just hates Neymar twitter.com/sixpaires_/sta…

Mbappe was like "Please pass this ball"
Neymar was like "u not talking to me bro"

11 goals for Neymar https://t.co/HDqFR06hSA

Kylian Mbappé hugging Neymar after a beautiful goal was scored by Neymar 🤩 https://t.co/dUsRhjDWow

Mbappe was really asking Neymar to pass him that ball instead of scoring ? Lmaoo like Ebi am he go pass?!