Like the rest of America, I've been selfishly hoping that Lionel Messi decides against renewing his contract with Paris Saint-Germain and instead opts for Inter Miami, giving me one glorious day out at Allianz Field of Wil Trapp man-marking the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.
There was a feeling that maybe Messi was more likely to leave France after what he did to France in the World Cup final, as well as a general recognition that with Kylian Mbappé the clear centerpiece of the show on a contract running two more seasons, the departures of Messi and Neymar would allow for a retooled approach in Paris that's less Galácticos focused.
But with Neymar absent on Sunday after injuring his troublesome ankle against Lille last weekend, Messi and Mbappé combined to show that we are truly selfish for wanting anything other than a continued partnership between the GOAT and his heir apparent.
After watching PSG beat Marseille 3-0 with Mbappé scoring twice (both assisted by Messi) and Messi once (assisted by Mbappé), it's clear that we're living in a blessed era — these two should play together for as long as possible.
The first, arriving in the 25th-minute, was a great run by Mbappé that Messi found with a perfectly weighted pass.
¡GOOOL DEL PSG!
@KMbappe pone el 0-1 para los parisinos en #LeClassiqueNo te pierdas el ⚪Marsella vs. PSG en vivo por beIN SPORTS Ñ#Ligue1 #OMPSG pic.twitter.com/to2locjQBq
— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) February 26, 2023
The second, in the 29th-minute, was a great run by Messi that was pinpointed by a nutmeg assist from Mbappé. This is a preposterously good feed by the Frenchman.
¡GOOOL DEL PSG!
@KMbappe se lo pone a Leo Messi, que anota el 0-2 para los parisinos en #LeClassiqueNo te pierdas el ⚪Marsella vs. PSG en vivo por beIN SPORTS Ñ#Ligue1 #OMPSG pic.twitter.com/xgBj0AhaPB
— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) February 26, 2023
The three points were secured in the 55th-minute when Messi dropped another dime that Mbappé smashed home on the volley.
¡EL TERCERO DEL PSG!
Leo Messi vuelve a asociarse con @KMbappe, y Kiki pone el 0-3 en#LeClassiqueNo te pierdas el ⚪Marsella vs. PSG en vivo por beIN SPORTS Ñ#Ligue1 #OMPSG pic.twitter.com/lTYI3PcKlH
— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) February 26, 2023
Those are sublime goals.
With this win in Le Classique, PSG opens up an eight-point lead over Marseille at the top of the Ligue 1 table. But their season will be defined by what happens in the Champions League with PSG looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Bayern Munich on March 8 in Bavaria.
