Ligue 1: PSG top Saint-Etienne; Metz stun Nice

Saint-Etienne, Nov 28: Lionel Messi had three assists in a 3-1 win over 10-man Saint-Etienne on Sunday to help Paris Saint-Germain extend its lead atop the French league standings to 14 points but the victory was marred by a Neymar injury. The Brazil striker was stretchered off in the 87th after twisting his ankle under an awkward challenge from Yvann Macon. Saint-Etienne opened the scoring in the 23rd minute of the game. Wahbi Khazri picked out Timothee Kolodziejczak, whose shot was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma. But the rebound fell to Denis Bouanga, who beat the Italy goalkeeper. Brazil defender Marquinhos equalized by heading home the subsequent free kick taken by Messi. PSG eventually took the lead in the 79th when Messi found Di Maria, who curled into the far corner. In stoppage time, Messi crossed for Marquinhos, who outjumped Miguel Trauco to head in. Also, bottom side Metz stunned second-placed Nice 1-0 in the 31st when Fabien Centonze converted a low cross from Nicolas de Preville. (AP)