European roundup: Messi on target as PSG clinch a record 11th Ligue 1 title

Lionel Messi scored as Paris Saint Germain bagged a record-breaking 11th Ligue 1 title with one game to spare with a 1-1 draw at Strasbourg.

The result put PSG on 85 points, four ahead of Lens, who secured second place and a place in next season’s Champions League – a first in 21 years – with a 3-0 hammering of Ajaccio.

It means Messi has become the joint-most decorated player in football with 43 trophies, alongside Dani Alves.

PSG were disappointing until Messi opened the scoring with a right-foot effort into the top corner after collecting Kylian Mbappé’s pass in the area. Strasbourg wasted numerous chances to level until Kevin Gameiro struck with 11 minutes to go.

“Everything was not perfect, but this title belongs to the players. Being French champions is always something,” said coach Christophe Galtier. “From a personal point of view I appreciate it a lot.”

Asked about his future at the club after one season in charge, Galtier said: “I’ve been reading a lot of things here and there but there is a difference between what’s being written and what’s happening.”

Lens secured their Champions League place as Loïs Openda became the club’s top scorer in the top flight with 20 goals – level with Roger Boli who reached that tally in the 1993-94 season. Openda scored the third goal with a penalty after Deiver Machado and Adrien Thomasson had put the hosts ahead in the first half.

“It puts me right up there with a club legend, I’m so happy,” said the Belgium striker Openda.

Marseille will finish third despite a 2-1 home defeat by Brest.

Lille lead the race for fourth place –and a Europa League spot – after a couple of Jonathan David penalties gave them a 2-1 home win against relegation-threatened Nantes. Rennes leapfrogged Mona