Messi Magic Stuns Manchester City as PSG Advance in Champions LeagueMessi Magic Stuns Manchester City as PSG Advance in Champions League Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) pulled off a stunning 2-0 victory over English giants Manchester City in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final, advancing to the final with a 3-2 aggregate score. The match at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday was a tale of two halves, with City dominating possession and creating opportunities early on. However, it was Lionel Messi who would steal the show in the second period. In the 55th minute, Kylian Mbappé broke through the City defense and played a perfectly weighted pass to Messi. The Argentine maestro took a touch to settle himself and then unleashed a thunderous shot from outside the area that left City goalkeeper Ederson with no chance. The Etihad Stadium fell silent as Messi celebrated his spectacular goal, which brought PSG level on aggregate. Just 13 minutes later, Messi produced another moment of brilliance. From deep inside his own half, Messi picked out Ángel Di María with a pinpoint pass, sending the Argentine winger racing clear on goal. Di María kept his composure and slotted the ball past Ederson to put PSG ahead and on the verge of an unlikely victory. Despite City’s relentless attacks in the closing stages, PSG held on for dear life, with Gianluigi Donnarumma making a crucial save in stoppage time to preserve their lead. The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations at the Parc des Princes as PSG secured their first Champions League final appearance since 2020. They will now face either Real Madrid or Liverpool in Paris on May 28. Messi’s performance was hailed as one of his finest in recent years. The 34-year-old created seven chances, made two key passes, and completed 79% of his passes. His goal was his 12th in the Champions League this season, equaling Robert Lewandowski’s record for most goals in a single campaign since 2019/20. The victory was a major triumph for PSG and their Qatari owners, who have invested heavily in the squad in order to win their first European Cup. It also marked a disappointing end to City’s hopes of winning a first Champions League title under Pep Guardiola.
