PSG’s Lionel Messi, proper, kicks the ball subsequent to Toulouse’s Anthony Rouault throughout the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Toulouse, on the Parc des Princes, in Paris, France, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AP
After Lionel Messi’s second-half purpose helped a lackluster Paris Saint-Germain beat Toulouse 2-1 to maneuver eight factors clear on the high of the French league, the group was urged to lighten their celebrity’s load.
Messi struck with a typical curling strike within the 57th minute following a transfer with Morocco proper again Achraf Hakimi, who drew PSG stage late within the first half after free kick specialist Branco van den Boomen put Toulouse forward within the twentieth.
PSG was with out injured forwards Kylian Mbappé and Neymar and relied closely on Messi, who hit the submit throughout stoppage time. Without Messi, who has hit 98 objectives for Argentina, PSG would have struggled extra.
“Messi was a very important driving force for us, given his goal and the chances he created. I’m asking the team to play for him and to work for him. He must be relieved of certain duties,” coach Christophe Galtier stated.
“His teammates must intensify their efforts to win the ball back and to create spaces so that he can spray around his passes which are so rare.”
PSG needs Messi with Bayern Munich coming up on Feb. 14 in the first leg of their round-of-16 game in the Champions League.
Mbappé is out for at least three weeks after sustaining a left thigh tear. Neymar is having treatment for a sore adductor and missed his second straight game. PSG’s injury woes increased when Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches went off injured early with a thigh injury.
PSG had lost two and drawn one of its previous five matches, and fell behind in the 20th when Van den Boomen’s free kick from the right flew past stranded goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into the left corner.
After Marquinhos hit the post with a header from Messi’s corner, PSG equalized with a fine 20-meter strike from Hakimi in the 38th.
But Marquinhos appeared offside on Messi’s goal, to the frustration of sarcastic-sounding Toulouse coach Philippe Montanier.
“I don’t know the rules of refereeing so well but I did play in goal for 30 years,” he said. “So I know that it’s difficult when a player gets in the way of the ball.”
Other matches
Kosovo winger Edon Zhegrova equalized with a volley and arrange substitute Rémy Cabella’s volleyed purpose within the eighty fifth minute as Lille gained at Rennes 3-1 to maneuver two factors behind Rennes in fifth spot.
After scoring within the third minute in midweek, ahead Amine Gouiri netted after solely 28 seconds for Rennes.
Also, Alexandre Lacazette scored his thirteenth purpose of the marketing campaign — stage with Mbappé — as Lyon gained at Troyes 3-1.
Second-placed Marseille must beat Nice at dwelling on Sunday to remain 5 factors behind PSG forward of their conflict on Feb. 26.
Source web site: www.thehindu.com
