“In a Champions League group stage under the bright lights of Paris, Messi finally delivered the kind of vintage all‑action performance PSG fans had been waiting for. His two goals and two assists, including intricate combinations with Mbappé and Neymar, turned a routine tie against Maccabi Haifa into a showcase of how terrifying that front three could have been at its best. It stands out as arguably his most complete display in a PSG shirt and a rare night when the dream version of this superteam felt real.”
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Powered by NeoCortex · NeoAxonMessi opens the scoring with a sublime left-footed shot from the left side of the box into the top right corner after combining with Mbappé. He takes the ball in stride and curls it beyond the goalkeeper to make it 1–0 PSG.
Messi unleashes a long-range left-footed effort from the right side, but his shot is blocked before it can test the goalkeeper. The chance comes after a layoff from Fabián Ruiz.
Messi leads a fast break and slots a precise pass into the box for Neymar, who finishes with a right-footed strike to the top right corner for PSG’s third goal. Messi’s vision and timing dismantle the Maccabi defense.
Messi scores his second of the night with a crisp left-footed strike from outside the box into the bottom left corner, finishing another combination with Mbappé. The shot is low and precise, giving PSG a 4–1 lead.
Messi threads a through ball toward Mbappé, but the move is cut short as Mbappé is flagged offside. The pass shows Messi’s intent to unlock the defense despite the infringement.
Messi sets up Carlos Soler in the center of the box, but Soler’s right-footed shot drifts just wide to the left. The move highlights Messi’s playmaking as PSG continues to press for more goals.
Messi wins a free kick in the defensive half after retaining possession under pressure and drawing a foul. His close control helps PSG relieve pressure and reset their play.
Messi comes close to a hat-trick with a left-footed shot from a tight angle on the left that crashes against the crossbar after another exchange with Mbappé. The effort beats the keeper but not the woodwork.
Messi slides a clever through ball to Hugo Ekitiké, whose right-footed shot from the center of the box is saved by the goalkeeper. The pass splits the defense but the finish is denied.
Messi registers another assist by finding Carlos Soler outside the box, and Soler curls a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner for PSG’s seventh goal. Messi’s pass sets up the ideal angle for the strike.
Messi takes a direct free kick from outside the box with his left foot, but his shot flies high and wide to the left. The attempt doesn’t trouble the goalkeeper as it misses the target.