Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has, on Friday, been afforded his latest individual prize by UEFA.
Messi on the up
Messi’s season, to date, has of course proven something of a hit-and-miss affair.
After departing his long-time home in Barcelona for the bright lights of Paris, the Argentine, initially, was widely singled out for criticism, amid an inevitable adaptation period to the stylings of Ligue 1 football.
Recent weeks, though, have seen Messi begin to find his feet, showcasing flashes of the unquestionable brilliance still possessed in the 34-year-old’s boots.
A trio of assists en route to a 3-1 downing of Saint-Etienne late last month were followed by a brace at home to Club Brugge last week, taking Messi’s Champions League tally in PSG colours to five goals in five appearances.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – OCTOBER 24: Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain in action during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Marseille and Paris Saint Germain at Orange Velodrome on October 24, 2021 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
Thiago settles for 2nd
And, as alluded to above, it is his exploits on European football’s grandest stage which have, on Friday, seen Messi secure yet another individual accolade.
Just weeks on from bagging a record 7th Ballon d’Or, the Argentine has clinched the prize for Champions League Goal of the Group stage.
As announced on UEFA’s official website, following an extensive voting process, Messi’s sumptuous effort versus Premier League champions Manchester City late in September has come out on top:
MESSI AND MBAPPE COMBINE FOR A BEAUTIFUL GOAL!
It was a matter of time before they clicked, and it was worth the wait ?#UCL pic.twitter.com/5scpcQw1ty
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 28, 2021
The PSG star secured a leading 22% of the total votes cast, comfortably clear of Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara in 2nd (14%), 3rd-placed Robert Lewandowski (13%) and Manchester United defender Alex Telles (12%).
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