Lionel Messi helps Paris Saint-Germain claim a record 11th French League title
Lionel Messi scored the decisive goal against Strasbourg that confirmed Paris Saint-Germain as the champions of Ligue 1 once again.
Lionel Messi helped Paris Saint-Germain become champions of France once again with a goal against Strasbourg. Messi scored in the 59th minute of the contest and even though Strasbourg equalised 20 minutes later, one point from the game was enough to cement PSG’s successful title defence and they ended up winning their 11th Ligue 1 title - a record in France.
The draw against Strasbourg helped the Parisians move four points ahead of second-placed Lens and with just one match left, they were mathematically confirmed as champions of France. Messi put PSG ahead from Kylian Mbappe's pass in the 59th minute while former PSG striker Kevin Gameiro equalised for Strasbourg in the 79th.
The goal was also a record-breaking moment in the career of the Argentine. It was the 496th league goal for Lionel Messi in Europe, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoring record in the top five European leagues. There’s also a chance that it could be his last as the World Cup winner is almost certain to not continue at Paris Saint-Germain next season and may leave for Saudi Arabia or even the MLS.
Following the win over Strasbourg, PSG have now clinched the French record for the most Ligue 1 championships won. The previous record belonged to St Etienne who have won 10 league titles in their history. However, their final conquest came in 1981.
PSG had already equalled that achievement last season under Mauricio Pochettino.
This was their ninth title in the last 11 seasons and PSG have undergone a massive transformation since getting acquired by Qatar Sports Investment and they have ruthlessly dominated the landscape of French football. PSG’s other league title victories came in 1986 and 1994.
They are by far the biggest club in France and the only French team competing well in Europe on a regular basis.
"This is of course an historic moment for Paris Saint-Germain. This 11th French league title is the reward for all the hard work we have put in over the last 12 years," said PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi. "To make Ligue 1 history and overtake Saint-Etienne is a real source of pride."
PSG started the penultimate weekend of the season six points clear of nearest rivals Lens with just six points to play for, and with a far better goal difference.
In the end, they needed only the draw to be officially confirmed as champions with a game to spare, as Lens eased to a 3-0 win over already-relegated Ajaccio.
The title celebrations will take place at PSG’s home Parc des Princes next Saturday when they play their final match of the season against Clermont Foot and it could be the last match for Messi in France.
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