Lionel Messi came alive for Paris Saint-Germain, scoring a European-record 496th goal to grab a point and seal the Ligue 1 title.
The Argentine has often been maligned since he returned from the World Cup. And with good reason. His performances haven’t been up to par, while his unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia earned him a suspension. But Messi’s quality has never been in doubt, and he was vital against Strasbourg.
PSG have made what should have been a stroll to the Ligue 1 title look difficult at times, with a series of disappointing performances and underwhelming results. And neither the showing nor the scoreline was particularly convincing on Saturday. However, the Parisians leaned on their World Cup winner to wrap up their 11th Ligue 1 crown, with Messi grabbing their only goal in an underwhelming 1-1 draw.
Strasbourg weren’t afraid to attack the league leaders at home. Gianluigi Donnarumma was active early, making a handful of saves, while the home side also hit the woodwork. But they were kept mostly quiet once PSG found a foothold in the contest. And the inevitable opener came just shy of the 60th minute. Kylian Mbappe slid a pass through to Messi, who curled his shot into the far corner, a signature finish for his 496th European goal, and perhaps his last in a PSG shirt.
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Strasbourg had a late response, though, with Kevin Gameiro taking advantage of a defensive lapse to bundle the ball home from close range.
Still, another shaky draw was enough to finally secure an expected title, a cause for celebration in an otherwise forgettable season.
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GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
Gianluigi Donnarumma (5/10):
Made a couple of nice saves, but his blunder handed Strasbourg an equaliser.
Danilo Pereira (5/10):
Completed the most passes on the pitch, looked far more comfortable on the right of a back three. Got his feet mixed up on the Strasbourg goal.
Sergio Ramos (6/10):
Very fortunate not to give away a penalty. Shaky at times against the tricky Habib Diallo. Won everything in the air, though.
E.C. Bitshiabu (6/10):
Worked into the lineup with Marquinhos out. Had some nervy moments, and almost gave away a goal early. Settled in eventually.
GettyMidfield
Warren Zaire-Emery (6/10):
Given another start, albeit out of position. Passed well and was full of energy. Needs to play centrally, though.
Vitinha (5/10):
Lots of running, not much actual impact.
Marco Verratti (7/10):
Won the ball a lot, stopped a couple of dangerous counter-attacks. His final ball was lacking, though.
Renato Sanches (6/10):
Struggled with injuries all season, and made just his sixth Ligue 1 start. Bit of a mixed bag, but his defensive work was impressive
Juan Bernat (5/10):
Mostly covered to allow Mbappe to roam. Had a decent few weeks.
GettyAttack
Lionel Messi (8/10):
Lots of nice work in tight spaces. Bagged the opener with a typically classy finish. Became the all-time top scorer in Europe’s big five leagues with 496 goals. He has 16 goals and 16 assists in a “bad” year.
Kylian Mbappe (7/10):
Usual bursts of pace and devastating runs. Assisted Messi. Unlucky not to grab a goal or two of his own. Still so dangerous when he’s not at his best.
GettySubs & Manager
Carlos Soler (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Christophe Galtier (6/10):
Finally gave youth a chance, with Warren Zaire-Emery and E.C. Bitshiabu worked into the starting XI. But it was an all too familiar story. PSG leaned on their big names to talk the lead, but lost it to a defensive blunder. He deserves some credit for a Ligue 1 crown, but some of PSG’s performances have been woeful.
