LIONEL MESSI fired a matchwinning double after a reunion with Ronaldinho inspired him to the heights of their Barcelona golden years.
The South American legends embraced before PSG’S 3-2 comeback triumph over RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Argentinian Messi, a one-club Barca icon until joining PSG this summer, and Brazilian Ronaldinho, overlapped at the Nou Camp from 2004-08 – with Messi eventually taking on the mantle as star man.
Barcelona won LaLiga twice and the Champions League in that time.
And Messi, in particular, looked as if he was greeting a friend missing for decades as he wrapped his arms around the Brazilian, 41, and patted his back several times.
Ronaldinho, who was wearing a Barca scarf, then walked away with one of his characteristic huge smiles.
But after kick-off Messi, 34, had less to be happy with – until his second-half sorcery.
Andre Silva and Nordi Mukiele converted Angelino crosses to overturn a fierce early opener from PSG striker Kylian Mbappe.
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But Messi then tapped home a rebound after his 67th minute shot was parried onto a post.
And he swaggered home a Panenka penalty seven minutes later to clinch victory.
Messi’s quickfire brace certainly lifted the mood for both himself and boss Mauricio Pochettino after question marks over the frontman’s impact so far this season.
And despite Messi being on a hat-trick deep in stoppage time, he allowed Mbappe to take PSG’S second spot-kick of the night – but the French superstar blasted it high.
That just confirmed Messi is still the master, even though Mbappe is strongly tipped for his dream move to Real Madrid next summer.
Table-toppers PSG are a point clear of Manchester City, despite Pep Guardiola’s men romping to a 5-1 success at Club Brugge.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
