Toulouse FC put a scare despite Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-1 victory on Saturday at the Parc des Princes. The capital club conceded the opening goal, making the French giants concerned about their start.
PSG turned the situation around as Achraf Hakimi scored the game-tying goal from outside the box. Then, in the second half, Lionel Messi recorded the eventual game-winning goal to secure the three points.
Gabriel Suazo, one of Toulouse’s winter arrivals, spoke about facing his South American counterpart in the Ligue 1 contest.
“Simply, they are beautiful things that football gives you,” Suazo told ESPN (h/t La Tercera). “You have to take advantage of them, enjoy them. Obviously, on the pitch, you always want to be more important, better and for your team to win, but having Leo in front is always a pleasure and a source of pride to be able to play against him.
“He is the best player in the world for a reason and he has those characteristics. Unfortunately, due to a goal from him we couldn’t get the tie. I think we created several situations to be able to at least get a draw. These types of players solve matches suddenly, with a touch, with a shot that you don’t even expect. This is how these players are who make a difference in details.”
There’s no doubt that many South American players in France going up against Messi and PSG feel the same way Suazo does. But considering Ligue 1 will have the Argentine for a short time in their league, the feeling might not just be shared by the Latin American players.
Messi’s contract with PSG expires in June, so some players might have to sulk in playing against the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner if he doesn’t extend his contract.
