Lionel Messi gave another spectacular performance and set another record with a sublime opening goal but Paris Saint Germain were held to a 1-1 draw by Benfica in their Champions League clash at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on Wednesday.
Messi opened the scoring midway through the first half after delightful link-up play involving Kylian Mbappe and Neymar before a trademark curling left-foot finish from the edge of the box. The goal meant the Argentine superstar became the first player in Champions League history to score goals against 40 different opponents.
But the lead did not last long with Benfica hitting back in the 41st minute when an inviting in-swinging cross from Enzo Fernandez touched off PSG defender Danilo and into the net.
Benfica had begun Wednesday’s encounter the better team, with their press disturbing PSG’s rhythm. On multiple occasions, Gianluigi Donnarumma was called into action to keep efforts from the home side at bay. But a moment of brilliance from Messi looked to have turned the game on its head.
