Lionel Messi was substituted at half-time last night as Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to beat Lille 2-1 in Ligue 1 at the Parc des Princes. The Argentine has had a mixed start to life in France since joining PSG from Barcelona during the summer.
Messi has now played five league games for PSG but is yet to score a single goal or contribute a single assist. His form has been better in the Champions League, however, where he’s delivered three goals in three appearances so far in 2020/21.
Lionel Messi substituted at half-time against Lille.
He still hasn't scored in Ligue 1 yet this season 😳 pic.twitter.com/zXiq2XlLpw
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 29, 2021
Mauricio Pochettino went for a 4-3-3 shape for the visit of Lille on Friday evening, with Messi starting as a false nine flanked by Neymar and Angel Di Maria – Kylian Mbappe was sitting with his father in the stands due to illness. Messi was taken off at half-time, however – without any apparent injury – for Mauro Icardi.
PSG had been losing 1-0 when the change was made due to a first-half strike from Jonathan David, but their shape changed for the better in the second half and they began to ask questions.
🔴 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 🔵 pic.twitter.com/TTBuB9bHoh
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) October 30, 2021
Di Maria set up Marquinhos to equalise in the 74th minute before Neymar intelligently assisted the Argentine to score the winner in the 88th, a well-taken, arrowed effort.
PSG made more sense with Icardi operating as the focal point. Neymar, who endured a below-par opening sixty minutes, improved immeasurably and began to dictate, while Di Maria was the lifeblood of the comeback. An interesting season is ahead.
