PSG 2-1 Lyon: Shocked Lionel Messi is hauled OFF by Mauricio Pochettino 76 minutes into his home debut… but boss is vindicated as Mauro Icardi hits winner against Lyon in stoppage-time
- Lionel Messi was substituted in the 76th minute of a disappointing home debut
- He stared sharply at Mauricio Pochettino and appeared to snub a handshake
- The six-time Ballon d’Or winner then sat glum-faced on the bench
- PSG went on to beat Lyon to make it six wins from six on Sunday evening
- Mauro Icardi headed home from Kylian Mbappe’s cross in stoppage time
A late Mauro Icardi strike earned Paris St Germain a last-gasp 2-1 home victory against Olympique Lyonnais with Lionel Messi making limited impact on his Parc des Princes debut on Sunday.
Icardi headed home from Kylian Mbappe’s cross four minutes into stoppage time after Neymar had levelled with a penalty following Lucas Paqueta’s second-half opener as leaders PSG maintained their perfect record with 18 points.
Messi, in his third appearance for the capital side, hit the woodwork but failed to score and was substituted in the 76th minute.
Lionel Messi could not hide his disappointment after he was substituted in the 76th minute
Messi briefly said something to Mauricio Pochettino but did not stop on his way to the bench
The summer signing was given a round of applause, but not a standing ovation by PSG fans
Messi stared sharply at PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino and appeared to snub a handshake as he came off.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is still chasing his first PSG goal in his third appearance following his shock move from Barcelona, sat glum-faced on the bench.
On the field, Icardi found space to head in Kylian Mbappe’s precise cross from the left in the 94th minute.
Mauricio Pochettino was vindicated as substitute Mauro Icardi hit winner in stoppage-time
Icardi headed home from Kylian Mbappe’s cross four minutes into stoppage time
PSG fell behind in the 53rd minute when Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta finished neatly, after forward Karl Toko Ekambi picked him out with a low cross to the front post.
Neymar equalized from the penalty spot in the 66th after he was fouled by 18-year-old right back Malo Gusto.
Messi was the game’s best player in the first half and almost scored in the 32nd.
Neymar levelled with a controversial penalty in the 66th minute on Saturday night
The Brazilian waited for Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes to move before slotting home
Messi found Neymar down the left and sprinted to meet Neymar’s clever reverse pass, but goalkeeper Anthony Lopes read Messi’s low shot well and denied him with his legs.
Four minutes later, Lopes was stuck to the spot as Messi hit the crossbar with a free kick from outside the box.
Messi, whose last Champions League goal for Barca was away to PSG in last season’s round of 16 return leg, also hit the bar in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Club Bruges.
PSG are five points ahead of bitter rival Marseille, having played one game more.
Messi hit the woodwork with a free kick but failed to score on his third appearance for the club
Messi was also denied his first goal by the outstretched leg of the Lyon goalkeeper
Lucas Paqueta swept a shot past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma at his near post