Paris (AFP) – Lionel Messi scored twice within the second half, together with with a surprising overhead kick, as Paris Saint-Germain started their defence of the Ligue 1 title with a 5-0 demolition of Clermont on Saturday.
Neymar opened the scoring for PSG in Clermont earlier than organising Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos for additional objectives earlier than half-time.
Messi then exchanged passes with Neymar earlier than sidefooting within the guests’ fourth purpose with 10 minutes left.
But Messi saved the perfect for final, darting into the field 4 minutes from the tip to regulate a Leandro Paredes go on his chest along with his again to purpose, earlier than changing with an acrobatic overhead kick.
That purpose had the group at Clermont’s Stade Gabriel-Montpied singing the identify of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who endured a troublesome first season in Paris.
PSG’s victory in new coach Christophe Galtier’s first league recreation on the helm was achieved with out Kylian Mbappe, who was absent as a result of an adductor harm.
Mbappe additionally missed final week’s 4-0 defeat of Nantes within the season-opening Champions Trophy as a result of suspension.
Messi had opened the scoring in that recreation, whereas Neymar netted a brace.
