In a standout performance, Lionel Messi steered Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-1 win against Montpellier in Ligue 1. This result was vital, pushing PSG five points clear at the summit of the league. With neither Neymar nor Kylian Mbappe available, the team leaned heavily on the World Cup winner to secure the result. The win served as a necessary rebound for the French side, stabilizing their pursuit of the domestic title after some inconsistency—including a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Racing Club de Lens—once the league resumed after the World Cup.
Argentine star Lionel Messi produced an eye-catching performance and guided Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-1 victory over Montpellier in a Ligue 1 game. Messi inspired PSG to extend its lead to five points at the top of the table. With their star strikers Kylian Mbappe and Neymar not playing, the French giants completely relied on their World Cup winning forward player. Messi helped PSG to further solidify their case for the domestic title after a couple of hiccups since the league’s resumption post World Cup that included a 3-1 defeat to Racing Club de Lens.
At the halfway mark of the Montpellier game, Messi told PSG's sports advisor, Luis Campos, to 'calm down.' Campos mentioned to Mundo Deportivo that he had specifically told Messi he needed to be the leader the team required in such a critical match. The Argentine captain took that to heart, putting in a dominant performance throughout the second half.
Messi's recent brilliance has sparked widespread debate among experts regarding his future with the club. The 35-year-old icon signed a two-year contract when he joined PSG in 2021, and since that deal is nearing its end, Campos has revealed that the club is actively working to keep him.
The sports advisor admitted that the club's leadership is currently negotiating with Messi to extend his stay. Campos has been open about his desire to keep the Argentine as part of the club's long-term vision and confirmed that active discussions are underway to ensure the global superstar remains in Paris.
Messi's move to PSG came after Barcelona's financial struggles made it impossible for them to offer him a new deal. His presence has given PSG the confidence to navigate their upcoming fixtures, even while Kylian Mbappe is sidelined with an injury. While Campos acknowledged that losing Mbappe is a significant blow—and noted how devastated the 24-year-old was by the injury—the advisor praised Mbappe's winning mentality and his dedication to a swift recovery.
Campos highlighted that Neymar is the final piece of the club's powerhouse attacking trio, praising the Brazilian's professionalism and immense talent. However, he emphasized that the team cannot rely on just three stars; contributions from the rest of the squad are essential. He noted that while PSG has made great strides, they must keep improving if they are to finally secure a Champions League trophy.