# Lionel Messi Scores Hat-Trick for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 Round 24
In a thrilling encounter in Ligue 1, Lionel Messi once again proved why he is one of the most exceptional players in football history. Paris Saint-Germain faced off against Montpellier HSC in Round 24, and Messi delivered a memorable performance, netting a hat-trick to secure a 3-1 victory for his side.
The match started at a high intensity, with both teams looking to impose their styles. However, it was Messi who took control early on. In the 13th minute, the Argentine maestro received a perfectly weighted pass from Kylian Mbappé and slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner, giving Paris the lead. Just 10 minutes later, Messi struck again. A clever exchange with Mbappé on the edge of the box saw the Frenchman run into space, and Messi finished a clinical counter-attack with a powerful strike from outside the box. Paris was now 2-0 up, and Messi had already announced his presence.
The first half ended with Paris holding a commanding 2-0 advantage, but the second half brought even more drama. Montpellier, despite their defensive struggles, refused to back down. In the 58th minute, Messi completed his hat-trick. A defensive error by Montpellier allowed Messi to pounce on a loose ball in the box, and he converted the opportunity with a precise finish. This goal not only cemented Messi’s legacy as a goalscorer but also extended Paris’s lead to 3-0.
Montpellier managed to pull one back in the 78th minute through a well-taken goal, but Paris responded with typical composure. The result ensured that Paris Saint-Germain remained in the hunt at the top of the Ligue 1 table, while also extending their recent dominance over their Hérault rivals.
This match was a reminder of Messi’s exceptional ability to turn a game around, even at the highest level of the sport. With three goals, he not only secured the points for Paris but also showcased his clinical finishing and unselfish play. As the league race continues to heat up, Messi’s form will be crucial for Paris in their quest for another title.
Lionel Messi’s hat-trick was the highlight of the match, and his performance undoubtedly ranks among the best individual displays of his career. For Paris Saint-Germain, the win keeps them firmly in contention for the Ligue 1 title, while for Messi, it was yet another moment of magic that will be remembered for years to come.