ISL 2026-27: Messi Magic Earns Punjab FC Dramatic Win Over Odisha FC in ISL Opener

Punjab FC began their Indian Super League 2026-27 campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday, as Raphael Messi Bouli scored a stoppage-time winner after opening the scoring inside the first minute.

Raphael Messi Bouli needed just 39 seconds to announce himself in the Indian Super League 2026-27 season, but his biggest contribution came when Punjab FC needed him most.

The Cameroonian striker struck twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner, to seal a thrilling 2-1 victory over Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Punjab FC began their campaign with three points after Bouli's late intervention settled an entertaining contest that appeared destined for a draw. His opening goal was the fastest of the 2026-27 ISL season and placed him sixth on the all-time list of quickest goals in the competition.

The Shers made an explosive start when Muhammed Uvais delivered a cross into the box, allowing Bouli to finish right-footed into the bottom-right corner. The strike gave Punjab an immediate advantage and set the tone for an intense encounter.

Odisha FC responded in the 15th minute. Lalthathanga Khawlhring delivered a corner into the penalty area, where Thoiba Moirangthem rose to head the ball into the bottom-right corner and restore parity.

Both teams created opportunities before the interval, but neither could find a second goal. Alfred Planas tested Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, while Mahmoud Eid missed an opportunity for the visitors. Punjab's Ricky Shabong and Bijoy Varghese also threatened, but the sides went into the break at 1-1.

Punjab FC Push for Late Winner

The second half saw both sides search for a decisive breakthrough. Giorgi Aburjania went close for Odisha immediately after the restart, while Bouli missed an opportunity at the other end in the 51st minute.

Punjab gradually increased the pressure. Tiwari denied Diego Raposo in the 58th minute, and Bijoy Varghese narrowly missed with a header following a corner. Odisha introduced Éverton Nascimento and Lalrinfela Khiangte in the 64th minute, hoping to gain greater attacking impetus.

The visitors threatened through late set-pieces, with Rahim Ali and Stephen Eze attempting headers. Mahmoud Eid also tested Punjab goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh from distance, but the custodian kept the scores level.

Punjab refused to settle for a point. Tiwari made another important save to deny substitute Gurkirat Singh in the 85th minute, while Uvais sent a long-range effort narrowly wide shortly afterwards.

Messi Bouli Seals Dramatic Victory

With the contest deep into stoppage time, Odisha threatened through Suhair VP and Nihal Sudheesh, but Arshdeep stood firm. Punjab then delivered the decisive blow.

Vishal Yadav set up Bouli inside the box, and the striker finished with his left foot to score his second goal of the evening and secure a 2-1 victory.

Messi's Opener Joins ISL History

Bouli's 39-second opener ranks sixth among the fastest goals scored in ISL history. David Williams holds the all-time record with a 12-second strike for ATK Mohun Bagan against Hyderabad FC in January 2022. Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Cleiton Silva, Chris Dagnall and PV Vishnu occupy the next positions ahead of Bouli.