Messi begins to adapt to the difficult match in France

Paris (AFP) – This is the Lionel Messi they wanted to see in France.

After slowly adapting to the new club and league, the Argentine superstar finally made a well-rounded performance in the Paris Saint-Germain shirt this week.

Four months after his departure from Barcelona and a two-year contract with the French club, Messi scored a brace and dazzled with a 4-1 victory over Belgian Brugge in the Champions League. His best version, dribbling, starting with speed and dribbling with his teammates was to generate dangerous occasions.

So far, Messi’s performance at PSG has left a feeling that something was missing. With the exception of a superb shot at Manchester City in September and three assists last month against Saint-Etienne, Messi hasn’t been impressive.

But the match against the Belgian champions underlined everything the 34-year-old striker could contribute and that his partnership with Kylian Mbappe is exciting. Without the injured Neymar, the pair’s good harmony in attack was evident. Both signed doubles, with Mbappe making Messi’s first goal.

Mbappe has reached 30 goals in the Champions League. At 22 years and 352 days, the French striker became the youngest footballer to reach this milestone in the history of the tournament. Messi was 23 when he reached that number.

“It’s easy to play with Lionel Messi, he’s the best in the world,” Mbappe said. “He just won the Ballon d’Or, scored two goals… He’s happy and I’m sure he’ll help us a lot in the future.”

Mbappe also wants to help Messi. What he wants is for the duo to be at full capacity to face the decider in Europe next year.

Instead of looking for a hat-trick against Brugge, Mbappe gave Messi a penalty that ruled the win.

“We will need him during the season and I am sure he will not disappoint us when the most important matches come,” Mbappe told RMC Sport. “He will certainly answer. Tremendous that he can finish it with two goals, but also exceptionally for us, for the future.”

Messi is now seeking to transfer his good form in Europe to the domestic championship.

The Ligue 1 has a strong brand and Messi found it difficult to adapt to the rigor. As Sunday’s match against Monaco approaches, the “Flea” has barely scored a single goal in nine Ligue 1 matches, a meager harvest compared to the 30 goals he scored in La Liga last season.

But Messi’s lack of punch did not affect PSG. Mauricio Pochettino’s team leads the top by 11 points, ahead of Rennes and Olympique de Marseille by two points. Rennes meets Nice on Sunday and will visit Marseille Strasbourg.