Ex Orlando Pirates Star Marshall Munetsi Gives Lionel Messi a Hard Time on the Pitch

Ex Orlando Pirates Star Marshall Munetsi Gives Lionel Messi a Hard Time on the Pitch

Thando Mpembe
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:47 PM
  • Lionel Messi had a bit of a tough debut for Paris Saint-German when he faced Zimbabwean star Marshall Munetsi
  • Munetsi used to play for Orlando Pirates and made a name for himself when he gave Messi a hard time in the match
  • The 25-year-old is cementing himself in the starting lineup and made fans all over Africa extremely proud

On Sunday, Lionel Messi made his Paris Saint-Germain debut with an ex-Orlando Pirates player appearing to attempt a man-marking job on the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.

In his side's 2-0 victory over Reims in Ligue 1 late on Sunday evening, the 34-year-old came off the bench to replace Brazilian sensation Neymar in the 66th minute.

Ex Orlando Pirates, Marshall Munetsi, Lionel Messi, Ligue 1
Marshall Munetsi gave Lionel Messi a run for his money on Sunday. Image: Sylvain Lefevre
Source: Getty Images

Marshall Munetsi of Zimbabwe, who won 10 duels and made 11 recoveries throughout the match, pursued Barcelona's former captain from the moment he stepped onto the pitch, according to a report by SoccerLaduma.

After putting the ball into the back of the net in the second half, the Zimbabwean midfielder felt he had equalised, only for the virtual assistant referee (VAR) to rule it out.

While the former Orlando Pirates player came close to turning the game around, French talisman Kylian Mbappe had other plans to ensure Lionel Messi's first season at the club went off without a hitch, according to The South African.

Mbappe scored his second goal of the night in the 63rd minute, putting an end to any hopes of a comeback. Despite Mbappe's brace, Lionel Messi, who made his debut for the French giants after a sensational summer transfer from Barcelona, was the focus of attention.

Marshall Munetsi, who played for Orlando Pirates from 2016 to2019, has established himself as a regular for Reims in the French Ligue 1.

Lucky Legwathi slams Orlando Pirates for poor tactics

Briefly News previously reported that following the Buccaneers' first-round MTN8 exit, Orlando Pirates icon Lucky Legkwathi questioned former head coach Josef Zinnbauer's decision-making. Zinnbauer has since left the club but Lekgwathi has a lot to say about his tactics.

Orlando Pirates went into the new season with high expectations, but they were dealt a severe blow when they were knocked out of the first cup of the season in the first round. Having won the MTN8 last time around, more was expected of their title defence.

From the moment he saw Josef Zinnbauer's starting lineup, Lekgwathi knew things were going to end badly for the German tactician according to The South African.

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