“At 0–0 in Paris, Messi breaks the deadlock against Benfica after combining with Neymar, capping a dominant display in a key Champions League group tie and pushing his career haul to 781 goals, including 127 in the competition.”
In the middle of a red‑hot scoring streak, Messi curls a trademark first‑time finish from the edge of the box to give PSG the lead in a tight Champions League group clash at Benfica, dictating play for 80 minutes on his way to Man of the Match.
Off a Luis Suárez layoff, Messi meets the dropping ball first time on his left with a crisp, low volley that skips past the keeper to make it 2–0 against Deportivo, en route to a hat-trick and career goal number 609.
Off Ivan Rakitić’s clipped pass, Messi meets the dropping ball with a razor‑clean left‑foot half‑volley from the edge of the box, sending it skimming into the corner to cap his 10/10 masterclass and reach La Liga goal number 423.
Against Real Sociedad, Messi meets a bouncing ball with a crisp left‑footed half‑volley that skids through to stretch Barça’s lead to 3–1 just before half-time, continuing his hot scoring streak and bringing him to 171 La Liga goals.
With Barcelona already back in front against Getafe, Messi meets a bouncing ball on his left with a crisp half‑volley that skids through bodies to make it 3–1 and stand as the match‑winner, his 469th La Liga goal and 738th of his career.