Lionel Messi Scores Stunning Bicycle Kick as Psg Demolish Clermont Foot in Ligue 1 Opener

• Lionel Messi scored an outrageous bicycle kick to help PSG get off to a winning start in Ligue 1
• The Parisians cruised to a 5-0 victory against Clermont Foot on Saturday, with the Argentine scoring twice
• He also produced a sublime assist for Neymar in the first half

Lionel Messi was the star of the show as Paris Saint Germain thrashed Clermont Foot 5-0 to get off to a flying start to their Ligue 1 title defense.

Christophe Galtier’s side were thoroughly dominant, even by their own standards, and it all revolved around Messi.

The Argentine was instrumental for his side on Saturday, August 6 as he teed up Neymar for the opener at Stade Gabriel Montpied early in the first half.

Neymar then turned provider as he set up Achraf Hakimi after 26 minutes and the Moroccan made no mistake with a smashing hit.

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The Brazilian then got his second assist, this time a delightful cross finding Marquinhos whose header was too powerful for former PSG man Mory Diaw in the home goal.

Messi then added himself to the scoresheet as he walked the ball in for PSG’s fourth goal in the second half, but the best was yet to come from the seven-time Ballon d’or winner.

Leandro Paredes pinged a delightful ball to Messi who controlled it expertly to flick the ball past the keeper in a spectacular overhead kick.

What the PSG boss said

Speaking after the game, Galtier was the first to heap praise on Messi, saying as per CBS Sport:

"I enjoyed his goal," Galtier said.

"Leo has been at the highest level for 17 years. Last season was difficult as he was getting used to it. Before that, it was 30 goals per season. There is no reason he cannot have a great season now that he has found his bearings with his family life, club, team and teammates now. Associated with Kylian [Mbappe], we will be even stronger in attack."

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