Sport

Record-breaking Lionel Messi stars in PSG win over Nice

April 9, 2023
Bharat Times

A week after being ridiculed by his own fans, Lionel Messi scored a goal and set up another as Paris Saint-Germain secured a 2-0 winless win to maintain their six-point lead of the French league. Messi was booed by some PSG fans in last weekend’s home defeat to Lyon, prompting speculation he could leave this summer. Argentina’s World Cup-winning star collided with left back Nuno Mendes’ cross in the 26th minute. Messi’s corner from the left was then headed home by veteran defender Sergio Ramos in the 76th.

Nice were 14 games unbeaten overall before this game and came close to equalizing in the first half, but PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma kept out efforts from Nicolas and striker Terem Moffi. Experienced defender Dante’s shot went under the crossbar and appeared to cross the line in the 51st. But referee Jamie Pignard was not alerted by goal-line technology that it was crossed, even though video replays showed the goal should have been awarded.

Donnarumma put out more shots from Pope and Youssef Ndishimiye as Nice kept the pressure on PSG, who have lost eight matches in 2023. Nice hit the crossbar late in the match in vain.

Under pressure, PSG coach Christophe Gaultier has returned to the club he coached last season. But the militants of Nice greeted Gaultier with defiant chants and unfurled a humiliating banner over him. After the final whistle, Gaultier walked away and sarcastically gave the thumbs up to the section of fans who had insulted him, prompting an angry reaction. PSG sporting director Luis Campos intervened to encourage a troubled-looking Galtier to leave the field quickly.

PSG remain six points ahead of second-placed Lens ahead of their match in Paris next weekend. Earlier, rock-bottom Angers beat Lille 1-0 at home to win for the first time in 22 league games. Defender Halid Sabanovic hit the winner from just outside the post in the 84th minute for Angers, who had not won since September.