UEFA Champions League 2022-23: Lionel Messi Saves Paris Saint-Germain’s Day Against Benfica – In Pics

Paris Saint-Germain had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Benfica after struggling for long spells in their UEFA Champions League 2022-23 game on Wednesday despite another well-struck goal from Lionel Messi. Benfica started with an intense and high press that unsettled PSG in the early stages, until Messi broke the deadlock against the run of the play with his 127th goal in Europe’s top competition. The goal came after a move involving the entire “MNM” attacking trio as Messi combined with Kylian Mbappé and Neymar before curling in a first-time shot with his left foot. Benfica leveled before halftime thanks to an own goal from Danilo Pereira.

Updated: 06 Oct 2022 12:30 pm

UEFA Champions League 2022-23: SL Benfica vs Paris Saint-Germain | Photo: AP/Armando Franca

PSG's Marquinhos, center, greets fans at the end of the Champions League group H soccer match between SL Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain at the Luz stadium in Lisbon.

PSG's Neymar performs a reverse kick during the Champions League group H soccer match between SL Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain at the Luz stadium in Lisbon.

PSG's Achraf Hakimi, right, shots on goal during the Champions League group H soccer match between SL Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain at the Luz stadium in Lisbon.

PSG's Lionel Messi, right , leaves the pitch during the Champions League group H soccer match between SL Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain at the Luz stadium in Lisbon.

PSG's Danilo Pereira, center, and Benfica's Nicolas Otamendi, left, vie for the ball during the Champions League group H soccer match between SL Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain at the Luz stadium in Lisbon.

PSG's Danilo Pereira scores an own goal during the Champions League group H soccer match between SL Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain at the Luz stadium in Lisbon.

PSG's Kylian Mbappe, center, dribbles past Benfica's players during the Champions League group H soccer match between SL Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain at the Luz stadium in Lisbon.

PSG's Lionel Messi, left, celebrates after scoring during the Champions League group H soccer match between SL Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain at the Luz stadium in Lisbon.

PSG's Neymar, center, and Benfica's Enzo Fernandez, left, vie for the ball during the Champions League group H soccer match between SL Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain at the Luz stadium in Lisbon.

PSG and Benfica players pay their respects for the victims of the Kanjuruhan stadium in Indonesia prior to the start of the Champions League group H soccer match between SL Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain at the Luz stadium in Lisbon.