Chanathip speaks out after scoring a brace against CAHN.

"Thai Messi" Chanathip Songkrasin expressed his feelings after scoring twice and leading BG Pathum to overturn the result against CAHN.

Star player Chanathip Songkrasin became the center of attention after playing a key role in BG Pathum United’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Cong An Ha Noi in the opening match of Group A at the 2025/26 Southeast Asian Club Championship.

Not only did he score twice, including a stunning long-range goal from midfield in the closing minutes, “Thai Messi” also impressed fans with a unique celebration, mimicking a phone call that left supporters curious about its meaning.

The match in Thailand was full of drama. Cong An Ha Noi started confidently and quickly opened the scoring. BG Pathum faced even more difficulty when Matheus received a red card and was sent off in the first half. Playing with one man down and trailing, the Thai team risked losing at home.

However, in the second half, Chanathip made his mark. In the 58th minute, he moved smartly and finished precisely to equalize at 1-1. Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Chanathip capitalized on a defensive error in stoppage time, launching a shot from midfield that Filip Nguyen couldn’t stop. That spectacular goal sealed a 2-1 win for BG Pathum, sending the home crowd into a frenzy of joy.

After the match, Chanathip commented: “Thanks to the coach, the staff, and my teammates. We were down to 10 men, but everyone stayed focused and fought until the end to secure the win.”

Notably, "Thai Messi" clarified the meaning of his viral celebration. He revealed it was a gesture of “calling his mother”: “Actually, before the match, I imagined it and even told the coaching staff that if I scored, I would celebrate by pretending to call my mom. Luckily, I was able to do it. It’s my way of paying tribute to my family.”

Speaking about his long-range wonder goal from midfield, Chanathip humbly said it was a mix of instinct and luck: “I didn’t expect the ball to go in. It was a surprising moment, but without my teammates’ support, I wouldn’t have had the chance.”

The player who once competed in Japan also made sure to thank the fans: “Thank you to my teammates for their fighting spirit, and to BG supporters who stood by us even when we had only 10 players on the pitch.”

Looking ahead to the next match against defending champions Buriram United, Chanathip showed his determination: “Buriram is definitely a very strong team. Last year we lost to them, and this year we want to beat them.”