Topics: Trophee des Champions, PSG, Nantes, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, Dani Alves
The Argentine superstar was crucial in the Ligue 1 champions winning their first trophy of the new season.

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi is closing in on Dani Alves' record for the most trophies won by a single individual in history after inspiring his side to a Trophee des Champions win on Sunday. The 35-year-old Argentine forward got on the scoresheet as Les Parisians beat reigning Coupe de France winners Nantes by four goals to nil in Tel Aviv, Israel.

In the absence of Kylian Mbappe, Messi and Neymar showed glimpses of their readiness for the season, holding down the fort and firing PSG to victory. Neymar scored twice, both from dead-ball situations, while Messi got on the scoresheet after rounding the goalkeeper and finisheing with his weaker right foot from a tight angle. In-between the former Barcelona teammates' feat, Sergio Ramos scored brilliant back-heel goal.

In retrospect, it is a positive start to the Christopher Galtier era at PSG, with the former Lille and Nice manager securing his first title in his first competitive game in charge for the French giants. His side's talisman, Lionel Messi, will also be particularly fond of the night's victory. The trophy win in Tel Aviv put his career trophy count to 41, indicating that he needs just one more title to tie with former teamate Dani Alves as the most-decorated footballer in history.

The Trophée des Champions is the second trophy won by Messi since completing his switch to Paris from Barcelona last season. The Argentine already has a Ligue 1 title to his name and is targetting Champions League success with PSG this season.