Messi has scored quite a lot of objectives in his profession – this effort was his one hundred and twentieth Champions League aim – however he hasn’t scored a lot better than that.

The astonished expression of Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman on the sidelines summed up the strike completely.

“He was sensational within the first half, however this aim from Messi is one thing particular,” tweeted former Barcelona participant Gary Lineker.

Nevertheless, Messi then managed to drop his wand when he missed a first-half penalty which will have given his facet hope of recreating that exceptional comeback from 2017.

As a substitute, the sport ended 1-1 and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino was completely satisfied his facet survived what may have been an embarrassing repeat.

“We suffered quite a bit within the first half, and psychologically it was a take a look at for us. I understood that the previous was one thing we talked about quite a bit right here,” he instructed reporters after the sport. “We have been higher within the second half, we have been extra aggressive.”

Koeman hopes Messi stays

Regardless of the frustration, Koeman is hoping Barca’s efficiency can be sufficient to persuade Messi to remain at his childhood membership after this season.

The 33-year-old’s contract expires on the finish of the season and he’s at present free to enter negotiations with different golf equipment over a doable transfer this summer time.

Messi made public his want to depart final summer time and it appears more and more unlikely that he’ll signal a brand new contract.

“Leo [Messi] has seen the group enhance for some time with all of the adjustments we have made, ”mentioned Koeman after the loss.

“We’ve prime quality younger gamers. We’ve a shiny future forward of us. Leo can haven’t any doubts what the long run holds for this group.

“We’re leaving this Champions League in a really completely different approach from how we did final season. On this recreation we’ve got reached our degree and that is the street we’ve got to comply with.”

Finish of an period?

That is the primary time in 14 years that Barcelona have failed to succeed in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

That is one more signal that there’s an obvious change of guard in European soccer with the tip of the Ronaldo and Messi period.

Of their place, it seems like PSG’s Mbappe and Dortmund’s Erling Braut Haaland are beginning to spark the same rivalry.

With Dortmund and PSG each within the hat for the quarter-final draw on March 19, impartial supporters are hoping for a tantalizing recreation that can pit two of Europe’s most enjoyable abilities towards one another.

Evaluation – Amanda Davies (World Sport Presenter)

Anybody who cancels Ronaldo and Messi simply because their groups did not make it to the Champions League quarter-finals wants an interview. You simply have to observe and overview Messi’s aim towards PSG to get the proof.

There is no such thing as a doubt about their mastery of the artwork. And for all of the magic moments they’ve created, do not forget that Messi has solely gained one Champions League title prior to now 10 years.

What we’ve got with Mbappe and Haaland are two younger abilities who completely step up when it counts, and individuals are rightly excited. However I do not assume we ought to be speaking about both / or right here. It isn’t Messi and Ronaldo or Haaland and Mbappe. We’ve all 4. What’s to not like? And why not have a good time all of them whereas we will?