Lionel Messi showcased his skills by scoring a crucial goal as Paris Saint-Germain clinched their record-breaking 11th Ligue 1 title, despite being held to a 1-1 draw against Strasbourg on Saturday.
In the midst of his impending departure from PSG as his contract expires, Messi made an impact by breaking the deadlock with his 16th goal of the season just before the hour mark at Stade de la Meinau.
However, Strasbourg substitute Kevin Gameiro denied PSG victory with a 79th-minute equalizer, preventing Christophe Galtier’s team from securing a win. Nevertheless, the single point earned proved sufficient for PSG to successfully defend their Ligue 1 title with a match to spare.
The draw also confirmed Strasbourg’s position in the top-flight, as Frederic Antonetti’s team maintained a six-point lead over 17th-placed Nantes, who failed to secure a victory against Lille.
✨ PSG ARE OFFICIALLY THE 2022-2023 #LIGUE1UBEREATS CHAMPIONS ✨ pic.twitter.com/PV6OoINHbK
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 27, 2023
PSG survived a scare in the 15th minute as Habib Diallo intercepted El Chadaille Bitshiabu’s sloppy pass back towards Gianluigi Donnarumma, but Sergio Ramos reacted quickly to clear the forward’s attempt from a tight angle.
Diallo drew a smart reflex save from Donnarumma, while Matz Sels produced a fine stop at the other end to keep out Renato Sanches’ volley from a Kylian Mbappe corner.
Strasbourg continued to carry the greater attacking threat and went close again when Diallo rattled the right post with a thumping 20-yard volley.
But PSG broke through 14 minutes into the second half when Messi arrived late in the box to collect Mbappe’s square ball before neatly sweeping into the far corner.
The duo almost reversed roles for a second goal soon after as Messi crossed for Mbappe, who failed to convert from inside the six-yard box.
Yet PSG were denied victory by former player Gameiro, who capitalised to snatch a draw 11 minutes from time after Donnarumma parried Morgan Sanson’s initial attempt.