**Ligue 1 Round 8: Lionel Messi Scores Hat-Trick as Paris Saint-Germain Defeats Montpellier**
In a thrilling encounter at Parc des Princes on Sunday, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their first win of the season with a dominant 4-2 victory over Montpellier. The match was particularly notable for Lionel Messi, who scored three goals to complete his impressive hat-trick.
### Match Highlights
The game kicked off with both teams looking to secure a point, but it was PSG that found the breakthrough early on. In the 19th minute, Neymar Jr., PSG's star striker, netted from a corner kick, giving his team the lead. This goal set the tone for the rest of the match and helped PSG maintain control.
Neymar continued his excellent form, scoring again in the 55th minute when he converted a penalty after being fouled inside the box. His second goal sealed the advantage for PSG, leaving Montpellier trailing 2-0.
Despite being behind, Montpellier refused to give up. In the 77th minute, Montpellier equalized through a well-taken goal from their young forward, Yannick Bolasie. However, this consolation goal was not enough to prevent PSG from securing their victory.
### Messi’s Hat-Trick
It was during the final period that Messi truly shone. In the 86th minute, he scored his first goal of the night, converting a free-kick just outside the box. This goal put PSG firmly back in front and gave them a commanding 3-2 lead.
Just two minutes later, Messi added another goal. He rifled a shot past Montpellier goalkeeper Pierre-Henri Kertzmann, making it 4-2. This third goal was crucial as it sent Montpellier into a state of panic and ultimately led to the defeat.
### Final Score
Paris Saint-Germain secured their first league win of the season with a 4-2 victory over Montpellier. The performance of Lionel Messi was exceptional, as he completed his hat-trick with two goals in the last half of the game. Neymar also contributed significantly, scoring twice, while Yannick Bolasie provided one consolation goal for Montpellier.
### Implications for PSG
This victory is significant for PSG, who have been struggling to find their rhythm in the league so far. It marks their first win since October 2022 and gives them hope for a better run in Ligue 1. The team will now look to continue their momentum and build upon this positive start.
### Next Steps
As they move on to face Lyon next week, PSG will need to ensure they stay focused and maintain their winning streak. Their opponents are known for their defensive prowess, and PSG will need to adapt their tactics to counter their style of play effectively.
Overall, this match was a testament to the strength of PSG's attacking lineup and the impact of Lionel Messi's performances. With this win under their belt, the French giants can look forward to more success in the coming weeks and months.