Messi’s early direct free kick from outside the box bends toward goal but drifts just wide to the right. It’s a dangerous effort that narrowly misses giving PSG the lead.

Messi wins a free kick in the attacking half after drawing a foul, setting up a promising dead-ball opportunity for PSG. This leads directly to the dangerous set piece situation.

From the resulting free kick, Messi curls a sublime left-footed shot into the top right corner, beating Kasper Schmeichel and putting PSG 1–0 up. It’s a classic Messi dead-ball goal from just outside the box.

Messi lets fly from outside the box after being found by Hugo Ekitike, but his left-footed strike rises and clears the crossbar. The shot had power but lacked the necessary dip.

Messi is penalized for a handball, halting PSG’s attack and conceding possession to Nice. The infringement breaks up a promising phase of play.

Messi links play and lays the ball off to Vitinha, whose right-footed effort from outside the box whistles just wide of the left post. The move showcases Messi’s vision even though the shot narrowly misses.

Messi threads a through ball looking for Kylian Mbappé, but the forward is flagged offside before he can latch onto the pass. The incisive ball doesn’t count due to the offside call.

Again Messi tries to slide a through ball into the path of Mbappé, but the striker is caught offside once more. PSG’s dangerous combination is denied by the defensive line and flag.

Messi wins another free kick in the attacking half after being fouled, offering PSG a late set-piece opportunity as they look to close out the match. His close control draws the challenge.

Messi’s night ends on 87–88 minutes as he is substituted off and replaced by Pablo Sarabia, leaving the pitch after a decisive free-kick goal performance.