Messi with two goals gives PSG victory in Champions League

Havana, October 20 (RHC)-- Argentinean star Lionel Messi scored his first brace for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the capital club defeated Leipzig 3-2 in Group A of the European Champions League.

In a packed Parc des Princes, the Rouge et Bleuers counted on Messi and Kylian Mbappé to consolidate their lead in the group with seven points, in a match in which the other member of the luxury trident, Brazilian Neymar, did not play due to abductor discomfort.

The home side opened the scoring early thanks to Mbappé's first goal in the Champions League, after a counterattack set up by Marquinhos and assisted by Julian Draxler in the ninth minute.

The visitors were not fazed, however, and a beautiful team move saw them equalize in the 28th minute through Portugal's André Silva.

After the break, Leipzig continued to bet on the counterattack and took advantage in the 57th minute with a perfect cross from Angeliño that Nordi Mukiele took advantage of to shoot past Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

Messi equalized in the 67th minute set up by Mbappé, who was brought down in the box in the 74th minute and the Argentine elegantly slotted home the penalty to put his side ahead and take his tally to three goals in the Champions League to three.

Mbappé missed a penalty that was confirmed by VAR in stoppage time.

The Parisians' coach, Mauricio Pochettino, resolved the daily controversy he has with his two top-quality goalkeepers in favor of Navas, leaving Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma on the bench, and the Tico did not disappoint by making good saves.

Before the start of the match, PSG and the more than 40 thousand fans present in the stadium recognized the career with the club of the once star Brazilian player Ronaldinho, who defended their colors in two seasons (2001-2003).

An emotional moment of the tribute to Ronaldinho was his embrace with Messi, two stars who shone together at Barcelona.

In the other Champions League group A match, Manchester City crushed Brugge 5-1 and climbed to second place, recovering from their 0-2 setback at the end of September against PSG.