Jump directly to the content

LIONEL MESSI fired a matchwinning double after a reunion with Ronaldinho inspired him to the heights of their Barcelona golden years.

The South American legends embraced before PSG'S 3-2 comeback triumph over RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Barcelona legends Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho embraced emotionally at the Parc des Princes before PSG's group tie with RB Leipzig
3
Barcelona legends Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho embraced emotionally at the Parc des Princes before PSG's group tie with RB Leipzig
Lionel Messi went on to grab a quick brace to turn a dramatic tie in PSG'S favour
3
Lionel Messi went on to grab a quick brace to turn a dramatic tie in PSG'S favourCredit: AP
Lionel Messi slips home his first goal to make it 2-2 before hitting PSG's winner
3
Lionel Messi slips home his first goal to make it 2-2 before hitting PSG's winnerCredit: AP

Argentinian Messi, a one-club Barca icon until joining PSG this summer, and Brazilian Ronaldinho, overlapped at the Nou Camp from 2004-08 - with Messi eventually taking on the mantle as star man.

Barcelona won LaLiga twice and the Champions League in that time.

And Messi, in particular, looked as if he was greeting a friend missing for decades as he wrapped his arms around the Brazilian, 41, and patted his back several times.

Ronaldinho, who was wearing a Barca scarf, then walked away with one of his characteristic huge smiles.

But after kick-off Messi, 34, had less to be happy with - until his second-half sorcery.

Andre Silva and Nordi Mukiele converted Angelino crosses to overturn a fierce early opener from PSG striker Kylian Mbappe.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

But Messi then tapped home a rebound after his 67th minute shot was parried onto a post.

And he swaggered home a Panenka penalty seven minutes later to clinch victory.

Messi's quickfire brace certainly lifted the mood for both himself and boss Mauricio Pochettino after question marks over the frontman's impact so far this season.

And despite Messi being on a hat-trick deep in stoppage time, he allowed Mbappe to take PSG'S second spot-kick of the night - but the French superstar blasted it high.

That just confirmed Messi is still the master, even though Mbappe is strongly tipped for his dream move to Real Madrid next summer.

Table-toppers PSG are a point clear of Manchester City, despite Pep Guardiola's men romping to a 5-1 success at Club Brugge.

Lionel Messi could finally play club football with Sergio Aguero as PSG want Mauro Icardi swap transfer with Barcelona
Topics