Messi drew level for Paris Saint-Germain in the 37th minute before Kylian Mbappe and Neymar added the second and third respectively to cap off a fantastic evening for the Parisians in Israel.
Tjaronn Chery’s 24th minute opener for Maccabi Haifa could only be counted as a consolation.
The goal has led to Messi scoring against 39 different opponents in the Champions League and becoming the outright leader in terms of players who have scored against the most clubs.
Before the Maccabi clash, Messi shared the record with pal Cristiano Ronaldo who scored against 38 different clubs. Karim Benzema has registered against 34 teams while Real Madrid great Raul struck against 33 sides. Robert Lewandowski has struck against 31 clubs so far.
The goal also gave the former Barcelona great another feat — it ensured Messi became the first player ever to score in 18 different Champions League seasons.
Messi had a disappointing debut season for the Parisians but the 2022/23 season could prove to be different. He is having an impressive start so far — having scored four goals and dishing out eight assists in this early stages of the season.
Messi has won four Champions League titles with Barcelona before moving to France.