Messi 'very happy' after scoring first Ligue 1 goal in PSG's win over Nantes - in pictures

Mbappe also on target as PSG run out 3-1 winners despite Keylor Navas red card

Lionel Messi scores Paris Saint-Germain's third goal during a 3-1 Ligue 1 win over Nantes at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, November 20, 2021. AP

PSG's Lionel Messi and Nantes' Randal Kolo challenge for the ball. AP

Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates with Kylian Mbappe after scoring his first goal in Ligue 1. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates with Kylian Mbappe. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring. AFP

Lionel Messi in action. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's Lionel Messi shoots and scores. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi. AFP

Lionel Messi gives the thumbs up. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi kicks the ball. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi before the match. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe fights for the ball with Nantes' French midfielder Batista Mendy. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe fights for the ball. AFP

Kylian Mbappe takes a corner kick. Reuters

Kylian Mbappe eyes the ball. AFP

PSG's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal. AP

PSG's Neymar walks off the pitch after being substituted. AP

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar leaves the pitch. AFP

PSG's Neymar, left, and Nantes' Fabio challenge for the ball. AP

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar takes a tumble. AFP

Lionel Messi came to the rescue for 10-man Paris Saint-Germain as they strengthened their grip at the top of Ligue 1 with a 3-1 win over Nantes.

Messi’s first league goal for PSG, and his deflected strike for a Dennis Appiah own-goal, dug his side out of a hole after goalkeeper Keylor Navas was sent off with 25 minutes remaining.

"I'm happy with this first goal, I really wanted it. I had several chances before in this match and in the previous matches," said Messi.

"I am very happy with this first goal in the league, I had already scored in the Champions League. I had chances but I didn't convert them. I am very happy."

Randal Kolo Muani had hauled Nantes level in the 76th minute after Kylian Mbappe’s early opener for the hosts.

The result left PSG with 37 points from 14 games ahead of a Champions League trip to Manchester City on Wednesday, while Nantes are 11th on 18 points.

Elsewhere in France, Rennes ran out comfortable 2-0 winners at home to Montpellier.