Lionel Messi chased by stewards with riot shields after scoring 700th club goal
Lionel Messi needed extra protection from stewards bearing riot shields after scoring the 700th club goal of his career on Sunday.
The Argentine forward got on the scoresheet 29 minutes into Paris Saint-Germain's 3-0 win over Marseille, bagging the second goal by tapping home Kylian Mbappe's pinpoint driven cross.
Mbappe received the ball to the left of Marseille's goal before checking where his teammate was and firing the ball low between a defender's legs to fizz into the six-yard box. Messi had timed his run to perfection and met the cross to apply the simple finish before running to celebrate with the goal's creator.
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But as Messi ran from the goal towards the corner flag where Mbappe was waiting, several stewards sprinted alongside him before holding their riot shields up high to block missiles being thrown at the celebrating PSG players.
One steward could clearly be seen stopping an object hitting the team as a puff of white smoke ricocheted off his shield which would have been destined for a PSG player in the huddle.
There has been a shocking rise of incidents of fan disorder and hooliganism in French football in recent seasons. Marseille fans will no doubt have been frustrated at seeing their side fall further behind, after Mbappe had opened the scoring himself just four minutes earlier.
Mbappe went on to add a third before the hour mark and seal the points which gives them a considerable gap over closest rivals Marseille in the table. After winning the title clash, PSG are now eight points clear with a superior goal difference.
Messi didn't seem too fazed by the reaction of the fans, or the presence of the stewards, on what was another landmark night for him. It has been quite the season for the 35-year-old after finally winning the World Cup to add to his huge list of honours.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Where will Messi be playing his football next season? Let us know in the comments below.
It is still unclear where he will be playing his football next season, however, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season and no signs of an extension being agreed as yet.
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