Lionel Messi Extends Incredible Scoring Streak As PSG Make Big Statement In Ligue 1

Lionel Messi scored his first goal of 2022 on Sunday night as Paris Saint-Germain thrashed Lille 5-1 to move 13 points clear at the top of Ligue 1.

The result made a big statement as it came away from home against the side who had pipped PSG to the French title last season.

Messi scored the game's fourth goal on 38 minutes when he intercepted the ball just outside the penalty area before striding forward and beating the goalkeeper with a trademark lobbed finish.

That goal made it 3-1 to PSG after Danilo Pereira, Sven Botman and Presnel Kimpembe had earlier gotten on the scoresheet.

Pereira scored again in the second half before Kylian Mbappe completed the rout.

Lionel Messi pictured chipping Lille's goalkeeper (out of shot) to score his first goal of 2022

IMAGO/Matthieu Mirville

Messi's goal was only his second in Ligue 1 since moving to France in August.

But it was significant because it meant that the former Barcelona superstar had now scored in EIGHTEEN successive calendar years.

Although Messi has only scored two goals in 13 Ligue 1 appearances, he has provided six assists as well.

He is also PSG's leading scorer in the Champions League this season with five goals in five games.