Messi's Wonder Strike Earns PSG Victory Over Toulouse

Messi scores a stunning strike as Paris St-Germain beats Toulouse, putting them 8 points clear in Ligue 1

A stunning Messi goal propelled Paris Saint-Germain to a comeback win over Toulouse, putting them eight points clear in Ligue 1. 

Branco van den Boomen had given the mid-table Toulouse a shock lead with a free-kick after 20 minutes, but PSG's Achraf Hakimi drew level before half-time. 

In the second half, Messi curled in a brilliant goal from 25 yards, securing the three points for PSG and moving them up to 54 points from 22 games.

Missing key players Kylian Mbappe and Neymar due to injury, PSG fell behind to Van den Boomen's set-piece goal. 

However, Hakimi's curling effort brought the score level before Messi's left-footed strike in the 59th minute sealed the victory. 

JUST TOO EASY FOR THE GOAT🐐🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/4EpTKQwfUb

— AdeelAmin10 (@adeel_amin10) February 4, 2023

The goal was Messi's 10th in Ligue 1 this season and his 15th overall.

Marseille, currently second in the league, will play Nice on Sunday and then host PSG in the Coupe de France last 16 next week. 

Unfortunately, Mbappe will miss that game, as well as the Champions League last-16 first leg against Bayern Munich on 14th February, after being ruled out for three weeks with a thigh injury.

Messi's brilliance once again proved to be the difference for PSG as they continue their dominance in Ligue 1. 

The team will now look forward to their upcoming fixtures, hoping to keep up their winning streak.

Stats and Fan Reaction

Most league goals scored from outside the box in Europe's top five divisions since 2017/18:

39 - Lionel Messi
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19 - Kevin De Bruyne pic.twitter.com/raZGqtqEKf

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 4, 2023

Marquinhos:

“Leo Messi is a genius, he is a genius. We have nothing bad to say about him, he tried everything and has won everything. He is always happy to want more. I am very happy to have him here and Leo is always trying to help the team win.” 🇧🇷🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/6avggk2A8Y

— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) February 4, 2023

Messi's teammates really said LET HIM COOK! pic.twitter.com/ruYLDLJLkq

— 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐒 (@ChaaliiyKay) February 4, 2023

Lionel Messi in 24 official matches for PSG this season: 🇦🇷
⚽️ 15 Goals
🎯 14 Assists pic.twitter.com/rZUwWEDOSc

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) February 4, 2023