Lionel Messi: PSG star applauded by Clermont fans as highlights emerge

A Lionel Messi-inspired Paris Saint-Germain demolished Clermont Foot in their Ligue 1 opener on Saturday evening.

Christophe Galtier’s side were without Kylian Mbappe for their game at the Gabriel Montpied Stadium.

But his absence was not felt as PSG romped to a 5-0 victory.

Messi was brilliant throughout. He set up Neymar’s opener after nine minutes with a flick that fans have been debating whether was intentional or not.

Goals from Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos gave the away side a comfortable 3-0 lead at half-time.

Messi then put gloss on the result with a late brace.

His first, scored in the 80th minute, was a tap-in after being unselfishly set up by Neymar.

He notched his second six minutes later with a magnificent bicycle kick, which will go down as one of the, if not the best goal he has scored for PSG.

After scoring his second goal, Clermont Foot fans showed their appreciation as chants of ‘Messi, Messi!’ rung around the stadium.

Messi’s name being chanted from the stands at the Stade Gabriel Montpied after he scored an overhead kick vs Clermont Foot