PSG vs Maccabi Haifa Highlights: Lionel Messi scored an excellent outside-of-the-foot strike as PSG took on Maccabi Haifa in the UEFA Champions League 2022-23; player ratings as inspired Messi hits brace.
PSG vs Maccabi Haifa
PSG 7-2 Maccabi Haifa | PSG vs Maccabi Haifa Highlights
Tuesday at Parc des Princes, the French champions trounced Maccabi Haifa 7-2 to progress to the round of 16 in the Champions League.
For the second time this season, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi scored in the triumph.
The hosts had a 3-0 lead with their famous attacking tricks within 35 minutes. A second extravagant goal from Messi just before halftime completed an impressively aggressive first half.
The second half went on without any breaks after Mbappe’s second goal, which he curled in. Maccabi’s Sean Goldberg then scored an own goal, and Carlos Soler, a substitute, added a seventh goal to complete the barrage.
The battering continued as Mbappe curled in his second goal, followed by an own plan from Maccabi’s Sean Goldberg and the seventh goal from substitute Carlos Soler.
In his 16 games for PSG this season, Messi, who also provided assists for Neymar and Soler’s goals, currently has 12 goals and 11 assists.
PSG won 3-1 in Israel last month, Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe scored goals.
All 19 of PSG’s previous Champions League goals, dating back to last season, had been scored by a member of the “MNM” before Goldberg’s own goal on Tuesday.
Maccabi Haifa defender Abdoulaye Seck showed brief flashes of defensive fragility by scoring twice with headers from set pieces on each side of halftime to make the score 3-1 and then 4-2.
With one game left, PSG could guarantee their place in the Champions League knockout round win, which was never in doubt.
The team of Christophe Galtier has tied for first place with Benfica on points but currently leads by a wide margin on goal differential.
PSG vs MHA – Man Of The Match Honors | Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi | Man Of The Match Honors | PSG vs Maccabi Haifa
Messi won Champions League Man of the Match honors for his critical performance vs Maccabi Haifa.
Lionel Messi once again shone for Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League competition.
On Tuesday, Messi shone in PSG’s 7-2 victory over Maccabi Haifa at home in the group round.
During his time on the field in the match, the Argentine striker registered two goals, two assists, and four chances for teammates to score goals.
Even though Neymar and Kylian Mbappe both had strong performances in the game, Messi ultimately won the award for Champions League man of the match.
Messi gave another performance to remember this season in front of his supporters at the Parc des Princes.
In the 19th minute, he scored the game’s first goal with a spectacular finish using the outside of his boot.
Due to a subpar first season with PSG, Messi missed out on being shortlisted for the 2022 Ballon d’Or.
But now that he has regained his form, he performs at his dazzling peak.
Lionel Messi has become the 1st player in Europe’s top five leagues to double-digit figures in goals (11) and assists (12) in all competitions this season.
He has played just 16 matches.
Messi is close to beating his tally from last season when he contributed 26 goals (11 goals, 15 assists).
There’s a long way to go, but if Messi can keep up his form and win silverware, 2023 could well be the year that Messi wins his eighth Ballon d’Or trophy.
🥹 https://t.co/wlFTyFeink pic.twitter.com/Y4wgH22IxG
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 25, 2022
✅ Paris and Benfica qualify from Group H 👏#UCL pic.twitter.com/jWGmJAAONu
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 25, 2022
Also, Read: Benfica vs Juventus Highlights | Benfica 4-3 Victory Over Juventus In UEFA Champions League
PSG vs Maccabi Haifa Starting XI
PSG XI
Donnarumma (GK); Bernat, Marquinhos, Ramos, Hakimi; Vitinha, Ruiz, Sanches; Messi; Mbappe, Neymar
Team Formation: 4-3-1-2
Maccabi Haifa XI
Cohen (GK); Seck, Batubinsika, Goldberg, Cornud; Mohamed, Lavi, Abu Fani; Chery, Pierrot, Atzili
Team Formation: 4-3-3
Messi, Neymar, Mbappe | The Best Attacking Triplet In Europe
Messi, Neymar, Mbappe | PSG vs Maccabi Haifa
Last night, PSG’s attacking trio of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe was influential, combining for five goals and four assists.
The trio’s coordination was flawless as they worked together to devastating effect throughout the game to destroy Haifa.
Galtier has been able to get the best out of them this season, as evidenced by their combined 40 goals.
Messi Is Shaping Up Well For The World Cup
Lionel Messi turned in another commanding performance. He scored twice and provided two assists to destroy Haifa, continuing his phenomenal start to the season.
He connected flawlessly with his attacking teammates, Mbappe and Neymar, as he effortlessly slid past his markers.
He is currently the oldest player in Champions League history to record a hat trick and two assists.
Messi’s goals last night were excellent, including an outside-of-the-foot attempt for his first and a terrifying long-range shot to complete his hat trick.
At this point in the season, Messi has 11 goals and 12 assists across all competitions. He appears to be preparing well for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar next month.
Also, Read: Does Cristiano Ronaldo Hate Messi and Neymar?