Lionel Messi scored a stunning long-range equaliser for Paris Saint-Germain against Troyes on Saturday to continue his hot streak of goal scoring form.
It was the Argentine superstar’s 12th strike of the season for Christophe Galtier’s side – a figure that has already surpassed his goal tally from the entirety of last campaign under Mauricio Pochettino. It also means that he has eight goals in his last eight matches.
The goal came 10 minutes into the second half and just three minutes after PSG fell behind to their opponents for the second time in the game. The home side had struggled to break down the visitors throughout the encounter and appeared set to be enduring a frustrating afternoon. Messi provided the assist for Neymar to give PSG the lead, as they eventually ran out 4-3 victors.
PSG managed to work the ball from the right-hand side of the pitch to find Messi, who unearthed a pocket of space in a central area around 30 yards from goal. The 35-year-old took one touch to control the ball before working the space to allow him to attempt the long-range effort – which flew into the net past Troyes goalkeeper Gauthier Gallon.
The superb strike came just four days after Messi bagged a brace as his side ran out 7-2 victors over Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League and at the end of a week which had begun with the superstar netting in a comfortable three-goal victory at Ajaccio in Ligue 1.
Messi's form in front of goal was also on show for Argentina, as he netted a brace for Lionel Scaloni's side against Honduras before bagging a double against Jamaica – both friendly matches coming in preparation ahead of this winter's World Cup finals in Qatar.
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In Saturday’s clash at the Parc des Princes, Mama Balde had twice given the visitors a shock lead. Carlos Soler netted a first half equaliser for Galtier’s side before Messi brought the scores level once again in the second half.
The Argentine played a key role as PSG took the lead for the first time in the match eight minutes after his superb strike, as he provided the assist for his attacking teammate Neymar to add a third for the hosts and finally put them on course for three points. Kylian Mbappe then bagged a penalty before Ante Palaversa pulled a late consolation goal back for Troyes.
