Messi's Free-kick Boosts Paris Saint-Germain's Victory in Ligue 1 Round 8, Recognized as Man of the Match by His Improved Form.

### Messi's Free-Kick Boosts PSG's Victory in Ligue 1 Round 8

In a thrilling encounter at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their victory over Lyon in Ligue 1 Round 8 with a late free-kick goal from Lionel Messi. The match was closely contested, with both teams showing impressive defensive resilience and offensive prowess throughout.

The opening half saw both sides dominating possession but failing to find the back of the net. In the 76th minute, PSG finally broke through. A corner kick was taken by Kylian Mbappé, who floated it into the penalty area where Neymar could not control it. However, Messi stepped up to take the ball and delivered a stunning free-kick that flew past Lyon goalkeeper Benoit Vigneaux and found the top-left corner of the net. This goal sealed PSG's victory and lifted them to 12 points from 14 matches, putting them on track for another successful season in Ligue 1.

Lyon, despite being outplayed, showed determination and kept the score close until the final whistle. Their efforts were particularly notable in the second half when they nearly equalized twice in the last ten minutes. The first attempt came from Kevin De Bruyne, who shot wide from 25 yards. Moments later, Moussa Sissoko's effort also missed the target, leaving Lyon with only one point to show for their efforts.

The win was celebrated by the PSG fans, who had been eagerly anticipating this result. The team’s improved form under manager Thomas Tuchel was evident in their performance against Lyon. Messi's contribution was crucial, not just in terms of scoring but also in his overall display. He continued his excellent form, making several key passes and setting up chances for his teammates, which further solidified his status as one of the best players in the world.

This victory in Ligue 1 Round 8 is a testament to the strength and unity within PSG. It marks a significant step forward in their campaign and sets the stage for more challenges ahead. With Messi leading the way, PSG looks poised to continue their dominance in Ligue 1 and potentially challenge for the league title next season.