Lionel Messi scored his first Paris St-Germain goal in stunning fashion as they beat Manchester City in an enthralling Champions League group game.
Messi, making his fourth appearance for PSG since leaving Barcelona, ran from the halfway line before playing a one-two with Kylian Mbappe and leaving Ederson rooted to the spot with a lovely 20-yard shot.
The roar from the Parc des Princes crowd was deafening as the Argentine, on his return from injury, added one PSG goal to the 672 he managed for Barca.
Idrissa Gueye had given last season’s French runners-up an early lead with an excellent drive into the top corner.
City had plenty of chances to score in between those goals with Raheem Sterling’s header hitting the bar and Bernardo Silva striking the woodwork from the rebound with an empty net in front of him.
They also had seven shots on target but could not beat Champions League debutant Gianluigi Donnarumma in PSG’s goal.
The second age of Messi begins
The first three games of Messi’s spell at PSG – which has been interrupted by injury and fitness issues – had failed to set the world alight. No goals and no assists.
But this was the night that all changed as he glided across the Parisian turf, gave the ball to Mbappe and got it back with a backheel before bamboozling Ederson with his shot.
That was his seventh goal in five Champions League games against teams managed by Pep Guardiola – his former Barcelona boss – and his seventh goal against City.
The build-up to this match had all been about whether he would return form a knee injury which had kept him out for a couple of games. There was a huge cheer from the fans before the game as his name was read out in the starting XI.
He was involved earlier in the move for the opening goal too, finding Mbappe outside the box.
Mbappe’s pass was air-kicked by Neymar, with Gueye then scoring a beauty.
Messi’s only shot was the goal – but on a night when City made PSG work hard, the veteran did his fair share too.
Almost a third of his touches were in his own half, including when he tackled Riyad Mahrez just outside the box.
Even at the end, he performed the draught excluder role in the wall for a Kevin de Bruyne free-kick – a position almost invented to defend his own free-kicks.
PSG – who have won all their Ligue 1 games to date – are a different team than the one who lost both legs to City in last year’s semi-final.
Gueye and Marco Verratti, back from four games out injured, were excellent in central midfield – and the team defended well too to keep City out.
Donnarumma, in goal, made seven saves as well as four claims or punches. Ederson in the other goal only made one save.
This ended a run of four consecutive Champions League matches without a win – including both City games last season.
Frustrating night for Man City
This was City’s first Champions League group defeat since September 2018, when they lost 2-1 to Lyon, a run of 18 games unbeaten.
They came into the game on a high after beating European champions and Premier League title rivals Chelsea 1-0 on Saturday.
And they had enough chances at the Parc des Princes to win about three games – most notably when Sterling and Bernardo hit the bar in the space of five seconds. Bernardo’s chance, in particular, was a sitter with an open goal about four yards out.
Guardiola’s side frequently threatened to get in behind PSG’s backline with reverse passes but it never paid off.
Mahrez was denied by Donnarumma three times, with De Bruyne forcing the Italian into two saves – and Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias also having shots on target.
De Bruyne was lucky to even be on the pitch as he avoided a red card for standing on Gueye’s leg in a challenge.
City keeper Ederson only touched the ball 13 times, making one save. Donnarumma was involved 44 times in the game.
This result in itself is not ruinous for City, with teams able to afford losing a Champions League game so long as they win most of their others.
But will it dent their morale? We should find out on Sunday as they go to Anfield to face Liverpool.
RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.
Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.
Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.
For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.
Entertainment Gists
Meet the Man Who Turned Hype Into a Science: Emmy Blaq, Nigeria’s G.O.A.T. of Hype
If you have ever been at a Nigerian event and found yourself on your feet before the main act even stepped on stage, there is a good chance a hype man was responsible. But not just any hype man. Emmy Blaq, born Ikechukwu Emmanuel Chima and raised in Auchi, Edo State, has spent the last few years quietly becoming the most talked-about name in that profession, and the Nigerian press has taken notice. Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, and Independent Newspaper have all sat down with him, and every conversation leads back to the same thing: this man does not just make noise; he makes moments.
What makes Emmy Blaq different is the journey behind the energy. Before the stages, the collaborations with Waje on her “Waje 2.0” album, DJ Consequence, and DJ Kaywise on the massively streamed “Joor Party Mix” series, he was repairing generators, cutting hair, and sewing clothes in Auchi. His first professional hype gig happened at a local fast food spot called Valchi, and the crowd response that night changed everything. He told The Nation directly: “My passion for entertainment and desire to make people happy led me into the craft.” Punch also captured his bigger mission when he said that hype men deserve more than what they currently earn, a statement that sparked a real conversation across Nigerian entertainment circles.
With over 1.7 million TikTok followers, 23.6 million TikTok likes, a viral “Wife Material” challenge that landed on Pulse Nigeria’s top ten social media moments of 2021, and an international performance at the Cameroon International Music Festival that Cameroonian media described as electrifying, Emmy Blaq is not building toward something. He is already there. The G.O.A.T. of Hype is not a title he gave himself and hoped would stick. It is one the rooms keep confirming every single time he grabs the mic.
MANAGER PROFILE
Uncle Wisdom is a Lagos-based music executive and visionary leader known for blending structure, strategy, and creativity in artist management. With a background in Mathematics and Statistics from UNICROSS formerly, Cross River University Of Technology. He brings analytical precision into talent development, positioning artists for both creative excellence and commercial success.
CAREER JOURNEY
Began his career in 2017 as an event coordinator for Eksu Olofofo, where he gained foundational experience in live events and audience engagement. By 2018, he transitioned into full-time artist management, driven by a clear goal to build a more structured and results-oriented system within the music industry.
In 2019, Started working as a road manager for Barry Jhay, gaining hands-on experience in touring, logistics, and artist operations, a refined career and mental awareness coach . He was also instrumental behind Barry Jhay’s 2025 sold-out homecoming concert, a key moment that fueled momentum for a successful UK tour, including sold-out shows in London and Birmingham.
PHLOX MGMT
Founded from the ground up, Phlox Mgmt is a forward-thinking management company focused on Career coaching, A&R, artist development, and strategic positioning. The company is built on a clear philosophy:
Develop the sound. Define the brand. Position the artist to win.
Phlox Mgmt has connections with @Roadgod_of Roadgod Agency and connects artists with top-tier producers, engineers, and creatives, ensuring a refined sound and strong market presence. The company continues to grow as a trusted platform for emerging and established talent.
INDUSTRY NETWORK & COLLABORATIONS
Uncle Wisdom has built valuable relationships across the industry, working with and alongside talents such as:
Barry Jhay • Asake • Ceeza Milli • Berri Tiga • Laime • Spellz • and many others
LEADERSHIP APPROACH
John Wisdom operates with a long-term vision, focusing on structure, consistency, and execution. His approach goes beyond traditional management he builds systems around artists that support sustainable growth, strong branding, and global competitiveness.
CONTACT & SOCIALS
Instagram & X: @Johnwisdm @phlox_mgmt
TikTok: @unclewisdom7
Email: phloxentertainment@gmail.com
Phone: 08038448478 | 09015668027
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