Messi scores hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League

"It's a blessing to have Messi in your side and a problem for anyone that doesn't,” said FC Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde, praising Messi for his fantastic performance. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in the first round of the group match in the 2018-2019 UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, leading a 4-0 win over PSV Eindhoven.

In the match against Eindhoven, Messi scored in diverse circumstances, using both his feet. His first goal came with a fantastic left foot free kick in the 32nd minute. In the second half, Messi showed slick passing moves with his teammates. In the 64th minute, Messi added his second goal, finishing off after being put in by a lob from Ivan Rakitic. In the 87th minute, Messi completed a hat-trick by finishing a back-heel from Luis Suarez with his right foot. The Whoscored.com, a European football statistics website, gave 10 out of 10 to Messi.

Before the season started, Messi told the Spanish media that his biggest goal is to win the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League trophy. "It's time. This year we have the Champions League again,” said Messi adding that he would do his best to win the UEFA Champions League. Barca last won the Champions League in the 2014/15 season. Messi got off to a flying start by scoring a hat-trick in the first match of this season.


Yun-Cheol Jeong trigger@donga.com