Lionel Messi rescues PSG with second half winner, in absence of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe

© Provided by India Today Lionel Messi rescues PSG with second half winner, in absence of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe

Paris Saint-Germain extended their lead at the Ligue 1 points table with Lionel Messi scoring a second-half winner against Toulouse. Messi, who returned to PSG after winning the FIFA World Cup, has been in good touch in his club outings. Messi's second half winner meant that PSG are now eight points clear at the top provisionally on Saturday, 5 February.

Messi struck the winner after the break with his third goal in his last five league games to put PSG on 54 points from 22 games.

Achraf Hakimi had cancelled out Branco van den Boomen's opener in the first half for Christophe Galtier's side, who had only won two of their last five matches in Ligue 1. The result left Toulouse in 12th place on 29 points.

Olympique de Marseille are second on 46 points before hosting Nice on Sunday with third-placed RC Lens travelling to Stade Brestois.

Without Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, both injured, Messi was flanked by Hugo Ekitike in attack with Vitinha just behind. The win at Ligue 1 will give confidence to the Christophe Galtier side, who are set to play Bayern Munich in their Champions League Round of 16 on 14 February, Tuesday. PSG have confirmed that they will be missing Mbappe in that game, and might have to remain without the services of defender Sergio Ramos as well. 

The Galtier team has shown some beautiful footballing glimpses this season and are expected to make a deep run in the Champions League.

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