# Lionel Messi Steers Paris Saint-Germain to Victory in Ligue 1 Round 16

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Rennes in their Ligue 1 Round 16 match on Saturday, with Lionel Messi playing a pivotal role in the victory. The match, held at the Parc des Princes, saw PSG dominate possession but also face a resilient Rennes side that refused to back down.

The first half was relatively evenly contested, with both teams creating chances. However, PSG took the lead just before the interval when Messi scored a stunning goal. The Argentine star, who has been in remarkable form since joining PSG, curled a powerful shot into the top corner, giving his side a 1-0 advantage.

In the second half, Rennes responded well and almost levelled the score. A series of dangerous attacks by Rennes tested the PSG defense, but the visitors held firm. The key moment came in the 77th minute when Messi once again proved his worth. The 33-year-old midfielder executed a perfectly timed through ball into the box, allowing Kylian Mbappe to slot the ball into the net and double PSG’s lead.

Despite Rennes pushing for an equalizer in the closing stages, PSG’s defense held strong, and the final whistle blew with PSG celebrating a well-deserved victory. Messi, who also created two goals for his teammates during the match, was instrumental in the win. His ability to dictate play and deliver decisive passes has been a cornerstone of PSG’s recent success.

PSG now sits in third place in Ligue 1, maintaining their momentum in the title race. The depth of their squad and their ability to absorb pressure from opponents like Rennes highlight their current form. Meanwhile, Rennes will take solace in their performance, knowing they put up a strong fight and remain a potential threat in the league.

With Messi pulling the strings and the team showing great composure, Paris Saint-Germain will look to build on this win as they aim for a championship challenge this season.