Lionel Messi continued his fantastic start to the 2022/23 season with Paris Saint-Germain against Benfica.

The Argentine opened the scoring in the Champions League encounter on Wednesday evening with a superb left-footed strike.

After some swift build-up play involving Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, Messi caressed the ball into the top corner of Odysseas Vlachodimos' net.

The first-time effort from the 35-year-old superstar could not have been executed any better and it ranks as one of his best goals in PSG colours so far.

Read more: Messi's superb goal in Benfica 1-1 PSG

Messi was undoubtedly the French side's best player at the Estadio da Luz and it was a real shame he asked to be taken off late on in the match due to suffering from fatigue.

Had the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner remained on the pitch for the final 10 minutes or so, PSG may have scored a late winner.

Lionel Messi GOAT t-shirt

Check out Messi's individual highlights...

Video: Messi's masterclass for PSG vs Benfica

Yeah, Messi is back to his mesmerising best - which is just great for the sport of football as a whole.

It's taken a little while, but the great man has finally proven he can thrive in a club setting that isn't Barcelona.

And that means Sir Alex Ferguson's comments on the never-ending debate surrounding Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been proven wrong.

What did Ferguson say about Messi vs Ronaldo?

Speaking to snooker legend John Parrott back in 2015, the legendary manager said Messi was a Barcelona player only, whereas Ronaldo has the skill set to deliver the goods in any team on the planet.

Cristiano Ronaldo laugh with Sir Alex Ferguson

MONTE CARLO, MONACO - AUGUST 28: Cristiano Ronaldo (L) of Manchester United laughs with his manager Sir Alex Ferguson while attending the UEFA Champions League Draw for the 2008/2009 season at the Grimaldi Center on August 28, 2008 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“People say who is the best player in the world? And plenty of people quite rightly say Messi – you can’t dispute that opinion,” the Scotsman said.

“But Ronaldo could play for Millwall, Queens Park Rangers, Doncaster Rovers… anyone, and score a hat-trick in a game.

“I’m not sure Messi could do it. Ronaldo’s got two feet, he’s quick, great in the air, he’s brave – Messi’s brave, of course.

“I think Messi’s a Barcelona player.”

Video: Ferguson on the Messi vs Ronaldo debate

Sorry Fergie, but those comments are no longer valid.

As well as smashing it for Argentina, Messi has eight goals and as many assists in 13 appearances across all competitions with PSG in 2022/23.

Ronaldo has, of course, proven he can score goals anywhere in the world. He may be warming Manchester United's bench right now, but lest we forget the 37-year-old bagged 24 goals in a terrible Red Devils side last season.

We will likely never see an era like Messi versus Ronaldo in football again and instead of trying to decipher who is superior, let's just cherish the wonderful memories they've given us.