PARIS: Lionel Messi netted a goal and an assist to inspire Paris St Germain to a 4-3 victory against Troyes on Saturday as the Ligue 1 leaders extended their lead to five points.
Troyes had stunned the crowd at the Parc des Princes when Mama Balde flew home just in the third minute, but PSG midfielder Carlos Soler equalized after a superb pass from Neymar as the two teams entered the break at 1-1.
Balde restored Troyes’ lead seven minutes into the second half and he could have had a third without an offside flag, but their celebrations were cut short as Messi quickly took control of the game.
The Argentine first pulled the trigger from 30 yards out to equalize with a sizzling strike before turning provider minutes later with an incisive through ball for Neymar to score as PSG went ahead for the first times of the match.
Kylian Mbappe also came on with a strike from the penalty spot after Troyes goalkeeper Gauthier Gallon knocked Soler down in the box as PSG’s three star-studded attacking lines were on the scoresheet.
Troyes pulled one back in the closing stages when Ante Palaversa took advantage of poor marking to head home, but PSG held on to take all three points and keep second-placed Lens at arm’s length. Troyes remains 11th.
Troyes had stunned the crowd at the Parc des Princes when Mama Balde flew home just in the third minute, but PSG midfielder Carlos Soler equalized after a superb pass from Neymar as the two teams entered the break at 1-1.
Balde restored Troyes’ lead seven minutes into the second half and he could have had a third without an offside flag, but their celebrations were cut short as Messi quickly took control of the game.
The Argentine first pulled the trigger from 30 yards out to equalize with a sizzling strike before turning provider minutes later with an incisive through ball for Neymar to score as PSG went ahead for the first times of the match.
Kylian Mbappe also came on with a strike from the penalty spot after Troyes goalkeeper Gauthier Gallon knocked Soler down in the box as PSG’s three star-studded attacking lines were on the scoresheet.
Troyes pulled one back in the closing stages when Ante Palaversa took advantage of poor marking to head home, but PSG held on to take all three points and keep second-placed Lens at arm’s length. Troyes remains 11th.
