Former Real Madrid’s impenetrable Sergio Ramos admitted he is ‘no longer surprised’ by Lionel Messi’s quality after the Argentinian’s coup de grace in Paris Saint-Germain’s dramatic, nail-biting 4-3 victory over Lille on Sunday.
Kylian Mbappe and Neymar paved the way for an entertaining first half that gave PSG a two-goal lead prior to Bafode Diakite halving the deficit, followed by Jonathan David’s penalty getting Lille back on level terms just before the hour mark and then Jonathan Bamba putting the visitors 3-2 up.
France’s World Cup gladiator Mbappe pounced on the equaliser in the 87th minute before Argentina’s own Qatar World Cup juggernaut and Golden Ball winner Messi earned the hosts all three points by slamming in a quintessentially Messi-anic free kick in the 94th minute.
The game was undeniably chaotic and PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos was actually seen replacing manager Christophe Galtier on the touchline at one point as PSG struggled.
Fortunately for the Parc Des Princes outfit, the late goals averted the threat of a fourth straight defeat in all competitions, albeit not without Neymar picking up an ankle injury after scormaking his goal contribution.
Forner Madridistas strongman Ramos and ex Barcelona skipper and talisman Messi had been famously on opposite sides of the Clasico divide for many years in La Liga, with both players having enjoyed tremendous success before a totally unexpected twist of fate saw them ending up as teammates at the Parc Des Princes in the summer of 2021.
“I am no longer surprised by Messi,” he told Amazon Prime after the Lille win.
“At Barça he was used to deciding games like he did today [Sunday]. I’m glad he’s on my team now.
“Of course it’s better to have him as a teammate. Whoever you give the choice to, of having Messi with or against you, the response is quick and honest.”
Messi, on his part, had previously admitted in November 2021 it was “weird” to line up alongside Ramos after so many years of rivalry but added he thinks the Spaniard is “a great person”.