Lionel Messi Finally Scores 2nd League Goal As PSG Thrash Lille 5-1 [Watch]

Lionel Messi finally scored his second league goal for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as his side thrashed Lille 5-1 Sunday.

Messi, who contracted COVID-19 last month, took a longer time than expected to recover as he missed out on three games for PSG.

Apart from the Argentinean forward, midfielder Danilo Pereira, who netted a brace, defender Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappe were also on the goal sheet for PSG against Ligue champions Lille.

"I had no doubts, Leo is the best player in the world. Like anyone, he needs time to adapt. He needed time to recover his best physical shape, after a month without playing because of the Covid. It's important that Leo shows such participation and commitment," PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino said after the match.

Messi, who moved from FC Barcelona to PSG in the 2021 summer, now has scored seven goals for his new club, out of which, five have come in the Champions League. PSG will face off against 13-time champions Real Madrid later in the month in Round of 16 of the European competition.

The 34-year-old forward has also provided seven assists, with the latest one coming against Lille. Messi set up Kimpembe just a few minutes before scoring himself at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Meanwhile, Mbappe, who is expected to leave PSG in the summer, refused to comment on his future after his side went 13 points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table Sunday.

"We keep trying to ramp things up. Today it was a lot more complete, there was more movement, and more character as well. My decision is not made. I think that playing against Real Madrid changes a lot of things. Even though I'm free to do what I want right now, I'm not going to go and talk to the opponent or do those kinds of things. I'm focused on winning against Real Madrid, trying to make a difference and then we'll see what happens," Mbappe told Amazon Prime, Goal reported.

It was earlier reported that Real Madrid have offered Mbappe a massive contract that could make the young French forward the highest-paid soccer player.

Mbappe has scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists in 30 competitive appearances for PSG in the 2021-22 season.