Messi’s goal helps French leader PSG beat Toulouse 2-1

Lionel Messi's goal in the 57th minute helped Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)

secure a 2-1 victory over Toulouse and move eight points clear at the top of the French league.

PSG was missing forwards Kylian Mbappé and Neymar and relied heavily

on Messi, who also hit the post during stoppage time.

Following the match, coach Christophe Galtier called on the team to lighten Messi's load

and for his teammates to intensify their efforts to win the ball and create spaces for him.

PSG needs Messi with a game against Bayern Munich in the

Champions League round-of-16 coming up on Feb. 14.

Mbappé is out for at least three weeks due to injury and

Neymar is receiving treatment for a sore adductor.

Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches also had to

leave the game early due to a thigh injury.