Lionel Messi scores as PSG beat Kawasaki Frontale 2-1 in Tokyo

Updated: May 17, 2023, 04:55 am

Lionel Messi scored his first goal of Paris Saint-Germain's preseason campaign in their 2-1 victory over Kawasaki Frontale at the New National Stadium, Tokyo on Wednesday.

Messi, 35, suffered his lowest-scoring league tally since 2005-06 last season, scoring just six goals in Ligue 1. The Argentina forward scored 11 in all competitions.

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Messi fired home PSG's opening goal against Kawasaki with a right-footed, deflected effort after being teed up by Achraf Hakimi.

Arnaud Kalimuendo added to the scoring in the second half by firing past Sung-Ryong Jung from close-range after a neat move. 

Kawasaki scored six minutes from time to reduce the arrears as Kazuya Yamamura beat substitute goalkeeper Sergio Rico with a header.

Messi lined up alongside Kylian Mbappe, who played his first preseason friendly of the summer after he snubbed Real Madrid to stay at PSG, signing a new three-year contract.

Messi was one of five substitutions made in the 62nd minute. Teammates Mbappe and Neymar were swapped out after half-time as Christophe Galtier eased his side back to match fitness.