Lionel Messi booed, Achraf Hakimi sees red as Paris Saint-Germain relegate Ajaccio from Ligue 1
ByTNT Sports
Updated 13/05/2023 at 22:11 GMT+1
Lionel Messi's time at Paris Saint-Germain looks to be coming towards a Messi end as the Ligue 1 campaign comes to an end with no expectation that he will renew his contract to stay in France. During a 5-0 win over Corsican side Ajaccio, the Argentine was booed while his team-mate Achraf Hakimi saw red in the second half, while Kylian Mbappe scored twice.
Paris Saint-Germain's Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Ajaccio at the Parc des Princes
Image credit: Getty Images
Lionel Messi was jeered by the home supporters on his return to action as Paris Saint-Germain took a step closer to the Ligue 1 title with a 5-0 victory over Ajaccio, a result that consigned the visitors to relegation.
Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi gave PSG a comfortable lead at half-time and Kylian Mbappe got in on the act with a second-half brace at Parc des Princes. Mohamed Youssouf's own goal compounded the visitors' misery before Hakimi and Ajaccio midfielder Thomas Mangani were sent off following a melee.
The win - which restores PSG's lead at the top of the table to six points - was soured with the booing of Messi, who was restored to Christophe Galtier’s side following his suspension for taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. With just three games remaining, a win at Auxerre on Sunday, May 21, would all but secure back-to-back titles for PSG.
PSG had lost three of their previous four games at Parc des Princes but were in control from the first whistle on this occasion and led in the 21st-minute when Ruiz raced onto Danilo’s through ball and lifted it over Francois-Joseph Sollacaro.
Hakimi made it two with the simplest of finishes after Kylian Mbappe’s effort was parried into his path by the Ajaccio goalkeeper. The referee confirmed the goal stood after re-watching it on the pitchside monitor following a suspected handball by Mbappe.
Mbappe got in on the act just two minutes after the break, sweeping home from close range after a scramble inside the Ajaccio penalty area. If that goal was scrappy, his second was anything but as he volleyed a sumptuous first-time effort past the helpless Sollacaro.
PSG were cutting their opponents open at will as Marquinhos’ cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Youssouf to make it 5-0 before Hakimi and Mangani were sent off for their part in a scuffle from players of both sides.
Talking point - Messi targeted by own fans
Messi was jeered by his own supporters, and while it wasn’t the first time this season the Argentina star has been targeted, the boos felt louder and more pronounced.
The disrespect shown to the World Cup winner didn’t go unnoticed to Messi, whose body language told its own story. He appeared rather subdued throughout the night despite playing his part in another handsome victory.
To treat arguably the greatest player of all time like this will cause much debate and seems rather strange, given Messi has contributed with 15 goals and 15 assists this term.
Player of the match – Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
On a night where he had few chances, Mbappe still finished the night with two goals. Ruthless.
Player ratings
PSG: Donnarumma 6, Pereira 7, Ramos 7, Marquinhos 8, Bernat 6, Ruiz 7, Verratti 6, Hakimi 6, Mbappe 9*, Ekitike 7, Messi 8. Subs: Vitinha 6, Sanches 5, Soler N/A, Bitshiabu 5, Zaire-Emery N/A.
Ajaccio: Sollacaro 7, Diallo 4, Vidal 4, Avinel 4, Youssouf 4, Spadanuda 4, Coutadeur 4, Mangani 3, Marchetti 4, Barreto 4, El Idrissy 4.. subs: Alphonse 5, Nouri 5, Chabrolle N/A, Soumano 5, Chegra 5.
Match highlights
22’ - GOAL! PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 1-0 AJACCIO (FABIAN RUIZ): It had been coming and now PSG have their opener. Danilo's threaded pass is superb, an Ajaccio defender slips and Ruiz capitalises, running into the space left before tucking it past the goalkeeper. As easy as that.
35’ - GOAL! PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 2-0 AJACCIO (KYLIAN MBAPPE): Mbappe controls a cross on his chest and still manages to release his shot despite being off balance. Ajaccio goalkeeper Sollocaro can only parry the ball into the path of Hakimi, who slots home the rebound. However, VAR intervenes - did Mbappe use his arm to bring down the ball? The referee has a look at the pitchside monitor, and after a lengthy wait, PSG can finally celebrate as the goal is given.
47’ - GOAL! PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 3-0 AJACCIO (KYLIAN MBAPPE): There is chaos inside the Ajaccio penalty area as the visitors desperately try to scramble a cross clear. They're unsuccessful in their efforts and the ball inevitably drops to Mbappe who sticks away his 24th league goal of the season.
54’ - GOAL! PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 4-0 AJACCIO(KYLIAN MBAPPE): Oh, what a strike! Ramos' long ball out of defence is headed into the air, dropping kindly for Mbappe who volleys first-time into the back of the net. Another sublime goal from Mbappe who is now on a hat-trick.
73' - GOAL! PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 5-0 AJACCIO (MOHAMED YOUSSOUF OWN GOAL): Marquinhos is trying to deliver a cross but it takes a wild deflection and the goalkeeper can only stand and watch as the ball nestles in the far corner.
80' - RED CARDS! It has been a mild affair but then out of nowhere, a melee! Messi is being targeted and it's chaos as players from both teams get involved. Hakimi is then shown his marching orders for his reaction. After reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, the referee now shows a red card to Mangani.
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