Lionel Messi finally scored his first Ligue 1 goal as PSG overcame Keylor Navas’ red card in victory over Nantes

PARIS – Lionel Messi finally got his first goal for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 after completing a 3-1 win over FC Nantes on Saturday with a superb strike.

Before the Argentine legend’s miraculous moment, Mauricio Pochettino’s men were extremely fortunate to take the lead thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s clearance and a wild Dennis Appiah own goal on either side after Randal’s strike. Kolo Muani and Keylor Navas’ red card.

Although the results and performances failed to dispel the thought that PSG were far from exploiting their potential under Pochettino, Messi has shown off his domestic mark as a burden off his shoulders.

“I’m very happy with my first goal of this tournament,” Messi said after the game. “I’ve had a few chances before, both in this game and others. Unfortunately, I couldn’t convert those opportunities until the last one came. I’m very happy for myself. scored in the Champions League. The opportunity came and now the goal too.”

It was a delightful finish reminiscent of the 34-year-old’s prime as he arrived late at the frigid Parc des Princes and bent after a desperate dive from Alban Lafont, who knocked him down multiple times during throughout the match.

Indeed, it was arguably the only worthy goal against the visitors with Mbappe’s opening goal and Appiah’s own own goal, both extremely unfortunate given Antoine Kombouare’s visit to Canaris.

“It was very important that he scored,” added Pochettino after the final whistle. “It was his first goal in Ligue 1. It was very important for both him and the team. It was a good win for us.”

Messi has now scored four goals all season with PSG and three of those are in the UEFA Champions League with next week’s trip to Manchester City being an opportunity to add to that.

However, PSG must be more convincing, with the magic of Messi, Mbappe and sometimes Neymar not enough to get them through the sporadic performances where they often play by chance.