Football News: Lionel Messi's magic goal as Paris Saint-Germain demolishes Clermont

It only took them nine minutes to go up when Messi beautifully deflected the ball into the path of Neymar, who finished a fantastic play.

Messi, who scored six league goals in 26 league appearances last season, is off to a flying start this season, scoring twice and giving an assist as he and Neymar ran riot.

Midway through the first half, Hakimi scored on a quick counterattack, and Marquinhos headed in Neymar's free kick.

Neymar added a fourth for Messi before the Argentine forward ended an outstanding display with a fantastic goal, chesting a feed from Leandro Paredes and finishing with a bicycle kick.

Neymar had a great pre-season, and the Brazil international scored the first goal and set up the other two in a spellbinding first 45 minutes of Galtier's reign as PSG coach that swept the game away from Clermont, even with Kylian Mbappé out injured.

The hosts, who avoided relegation last season in their maiden season in the top flight, were never in the game after Neymar scored with just nine minutes on the clock.

Lionel Messi, with a bicycle kick of his own

Lionel Messi struck a spectacular bicycle kick as Paris Saint-Germain began their Ligue 1 championship defence with a 5-0 victory against Clermont at the Stade Gabriel Montpied on Saturday.

Messi scored twice, and Neymar, Achraf Hakimi, and Marquinhos scored as Barcelona followed up last weekend's 4-0 Trophee des Champions triumph over Nantes with another easy win.

On Saturday, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner and forward for Ligue 1 champions Paris St.-Germain led his club at the start of its title defence. Thus far, so good.

Messi scored twice in the 5-0 win over Clermont. His second goal in the game's final minutes was one for the lifetime highlight reel. 

At the 85:35 minute, with PSG leading 4-0, Leandro Paredes passed the Clermont defence to locate Messi inside the box with his back to the goal.

Messi received the pass, bounced it off his chest, and flipped upside down for the game-winning bicycle kick with his left foot.

Kylian Mbappe, the third member of PSG's sensational forward trio, was out with an injury. Vitinha, Hugo Ekitike, and Nordi Mukiele made their Ligue 1 debuts for PSG under new coach Christophe Galtier.

Warren Zaire-Emery made his debut for PSG, becoming the club's youngest player at 16 years, four months, and 29 days.

"A lot of satisfaction, first and foremost with the win," Galtier said as his team emerged victorious. "Winning the game and scoring five goals is important, as is not conceding any chances and maintaining high levels throughout, even when the gaps were getting larger."

PSG begins league play at the top of the standings, aiming for its sixth Ligue 1 title in six seasons. It was a fantastic start to Messi's second season in Paris.

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