How Did Messi Start 2022 23? A Tactical Overview

When the 2022‑23 campaign began, Lionel Messi’s move to Paris Saint‑Germain marked a new chapter for the Argentine star. After eight seasons at Barcelona, the transfer was finalized in early August 2022, and Messi’s first official appearance came in the Ligue 1 opener against Lorient. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, Messi’s influence was evident: a blend of creative playmaking, intelligent movement, and an uncanny ability to find space in tight defensive lines.

First‑Week Impact in Ligue 1

Messi’s debut was a masterclass in adaptation. Playing on the left wing, he cut inside to his favored central zone, linking with Kylian Mbappé and Neymar. Within the first 30 minutes, he delivered a precise through‑ball that set up Mbappé’s opening goal. By the final whistle, Messi had recorded one assist and completed 85 % of his passes—a statistic that underscored his quick integration into PSG’s attacking framework.

Statistical Snapshot of the Opening Month

These figures placed Messi among the top performers in the league, despite sharing the field with other world‑class talents such as Erling Haaland, whose own goal‑scoring exploits have dominated headlines. While Haaland’s physicality often dictates a direct, high‑tempo approach, Messi’s style remains rooted in positional intelligence and subtle manipulation of space.

Positional Role and Tactical Freedom

PSG’s head coach granted Messi a hybrid role—part number 10, part false‑nine. This flexibility allowed him to drift between the midfield line and the attacking third, creating overloads on the left flank. By alternating between deep‑lying playmaker duties and advanced runs, Messi forced opponents to constantly adjust their defensive shape, leading to moments of disorganization that PSG capitalized on.

Early Season Highlights

  1. Scoring a spectacular free‑kick against Marseille that curled into the top corner from 25 meters.
  2. Executing a one‑two with Neymar that broke down Lille’s compact defense, resulting in a decisive goal.
  3. Leading a comeback against Nice, where his relentless pressing sparked a turnover that led to an equaliser.

Each of these moments demonstrated Messi’s ability to influence games beyond pure goal‑scoring, reinforcing his reputation as a complete forward.