Meslier scores hat-trick as Messi becomes first over-35 foreign player to do so in Ligue 1 match

**Meslier Scores Hat-Trick as Messi Becomes First Over-35 Foreign Player to Do So in Ligue 1 Match**

In a thrilling encounter at the Stade de France, Lionel Messi showcased his remarkable skills and continued to cement his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The Barcelona striker scored three goals in a single half against Lille on Sunday, marking him as the first over-35 foreign player to score a hat-trick in a professional Ligue 1 match.

The game started with Messi displaying his usual poise and control on the ball. He controlled the midfield well, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. In the opening minutes, he made a beautiful pass that found Antoine Griezmann in space, but the latter's shot was blocked by Lille goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

As the second half began, Messi showed no signs of slowing down. In the 62nd minute, he received the ball from Philippe Coutinho and calmly lobbed the goal past Courtois. This was followed by another spectacular strike in the 70th minute when he dribbled past several defenders before unleashing a powerful left-footed volley into the top corner.

In the final moments of the match, Messi once again demonstrated his brilliance. In the 89th minute, he picked up the ball from Antoine Griezmann and took it past two defenders before slotting the ball home with ease. This final goal gave Messi his third hat-trick of the season, making him the joint-top scorer in La Liga.

This performance came after a long wait for Messi to achieve this feat. It has been more than four years since the former Argentina international last scored a hat-trick in a domestic league match. His previous best was two goals in a single match, which he achieved against Lyon in 2017.

Lille, who had looked like they were going to dominate the match, were outplayed by Messi and his team-mates. The French club struggled to keep possession of the ball and were forced to settle for some late consolation goals. However, their efforts were not enough to stop Messi from achieving this historic achievement.

This victory not only highlights Messi's exceptional form but also underscores his ability to adapt to different playing styles and situations. Despite being over 35 years old, Messi remains one of the most influential players in world football, and his performances continue to inspire young talent across the globe.

As the celebrations continued, Messi acknowledged the support of his fans and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play for such a prestigious club. "It's always special to play here," he said. "I'm grateful for everyone who supports me."

This hat-trick will undoubtedly go down as one of the highlights of Messi's career, and it serves as a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. With his continued success and influence, it seems likely that we can expect more incredible performances from the Argentine superstar in the coming seasons.