Lionel Messi scores first goal for PSG as World Cup winner: Best memes and reactions

Lionel Messi got on the scoresheet again for PSG in his return to the Parc des Princes as a World Cup champion. Of course, social media went wild.

Updated on January 12, 2023 09:45AM EDT

With his biggest success still fresh in the memory, Lionel Messi didn’t have to wait too much to score for PSG. In his first game at the Parc des Princes since the World Cup break, the Argentine star found the net.

Nearly a month ago, the 35-year-old reached the promised land with the national team, a victory that was celebrated not only in his country but in many corners of the world.

Though the French club didn’t prepare anything special for his return on Wednesday against Angers, Messi found a way to come back in style by extending his team’s lead. Unsurprisingly, fans went crazy on the Internet.

Social media reacts to Messi’s first PSG goal as World Cup champion

Initially ruled out by offside, a VAR review overturned the assistant’s decision to concede Messi his first goal since winning the World Cup. Social media, of course,immediately reacted to the drama-filled goal.

Leo Messi marks his return with a goal#Messi�� pic.twitter.com/hbVihd7HAO

— ��ℝ�� (@sammy__dray) January 11, 2023

MAMA NEVERMIND THEY COUNTED THE GOAL MESSI SCORED https://t.co/pe75qfqc9e pic.twitter.com/PMJo63nc8E

— mckayla (@sopeboyfie) January 11, 2023

VAR matters and not any camera angle can decide in some tight cases. Here Messi’s goal looks offside and even the assistant ref raised his flag offside, but VAR awarded the goal. pic.twitter.com/lwR8lUcluY

— Parted Beard (@PartedBeard) January 11, 2023

IM CRYIN MESSI WAS CLEAR OFFSIDE AND THEY GAVE HIM THE GOAL ��

— *** (@moetweets) January 11, 2023

Offsides? Bro it’s Messi just give it to him ��

— ��ghoulie�� (@SLLIME64) January 11, 2023

messi’s first goal as a world cup winner pic.twitter.com/OjbcEPNHWj

— elvira (@daylightoutro) January 11, 2023

Martín O’Donnell

Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.