Lionel Messi scores stunner as PSG clinch Ligue 1 title but fan celebrations muted
After a 1-1 draw against 10-man Lens on Saturday, Paris Saint-Germain recaptured the Ligue 1 title, but the celebrations were muted as angry fans exited the Parc des Princes soon after the final whistle.
Lionel Messi’s spectacular goal was canceled out by Corentin Jean, giving PSG 78 points, 16 more than second-placed Marseille, who play their game in hand at Stade de Reims on Sunday.
PSG has now won eight of the last ten Ligue 1 titles, with only Monaco and Lille denying them in 2017 and 2018. It equals St Etienne’s record of ten top-flight titles between 1957 and 1981.
The club’s Ligue 1 triumph, however, was not cause for celebration for many fans, who are still irritated by the club’s departure from the Champions League in the last-16.
PSG was eliminated after blowing a 2-0 aggregate lead against Real Madrid in the first 15 minutes.
The stadium was empty 10 minutes after the game ended on Saturday, and the players missed the ceremonial lap of honor. Some ultra-fans had already exited the Parc des Princes 15 minutes before the final siren.
“It’s something I’m not sure of. In football, you either win or lose. We strive with all of our hearts, “added PSG midfielder Marco Verratti, the only player in French history to have won eight top-flight titles.
Fans from the Boulogne and Auteuil stands did not show their support again, despite the fact that their club had won their previous four games, scoring 16 goals in that span.
PSG was under pressure early on, but after 20 minutes, an exchange involving Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar almost resulted in a goal, as the Brazilian’s low attempt from inside the box went just wide.
Jean-Louis Leca denied Achraf Hakimi, and Mbappe missed two clear chances as the hosts pressed, but Lens also threatened through Seko Fofana and Jonathan Clauss.
The audience then booed PSG at halftime.
Lens was reduced to ten men in the 57th minute when Kevin Danso received a second yellow card for a violent tackle on Neymar. Leca had to completely extend to stop Messi’s attempt on the subsequent free-kick.
After being set up by Neymar, the Argentine striker finally gave PSG the lead in the 68th minute, firing a 25-meter shot into the top corner.
The fans screamed Messi’s name, but ultras from the Auteuil stands left seven minutes later, missing Lens’ equalizer when Jean latched onto a cross by Driver Machado at the far post to give the visitors a merited point.
Lens, who had won their previous three games and are still aiming to finish in the top three, are now in seventh place with 54 points, five points behind Monaco, who defeated St Etienne 4-1 away earlier on Saturday.
Outside the stadium, there were more lively scenes as thousands of fans gathered, firing off flares and waving flags.
