Lionel Messi jeered on return as PSG hammer Ajaccio to take step closer to title

Lionel Messi was jeered by a section of Paris Saint-Germain fans when he made his return to the team on Saturday before the French giants took a step closer to the Ligue 1 title with a 5-0 thrashing of Ajaccio.

Messi, 35, made his first start for PSG since serving a club-imposed two-week suspension for taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.

But while the Argentine received a mixed reception, there was plenty for PSG supporters to be pleased about as Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring on 22 minutes at the Parc des Princes and Achraf Hakimi added a second goal before Kylian Mbappe struck twice shortly after half-time.

Mohamed Youssouf compounded a miserable night for Ajaccio with an own goal for PSG's fifth, while Hakimi and Ajaccio midfielder Thomas Mangani were sent off after a late bust-up.

PSG need four points from their final three games – against Auxerre, Strasbourg and Clermont – to secure the Ligue 1 title after restoring their six-point lead over second-placed Lens.

"The players were very determined to put in a proper display. They want to be champions and they realise that Lens aren't giving up and a misstep could raise the pressure," said PSG coach Christophe Galtier.

Messi's name elicited a combination of whistles and applause when it was read out before kick-off. The Argentine again drew jeers with his early touches in what was likely his penultimate appearance in Paris.

The World Cup-winning forward is expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, with a potential move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal reported to be one of his options.

"So there are whistles but very quickly a large part of the stadium made sure to drown them out to support Leo," said Galtier.

Pitos a Messi