Messi scores acrobatic goal as PSG trash Clermont Foot 5-0

Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain scores an acrobatic goal during the Ligue 1 match between Clermont Foot 63 and Paris Saint-Germain at Stade Gabriel Montpied on August 06, 2022 in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Lionel Messi is picking up right where he left off.

The reigning Ballon d’Or winner and forward for Ligue 1 champion Paris St.-Germain led his club in the opening of its title defense on Saturday. So far, so good.

Messi scored two goals in the 5-0 over Clermont. His second in the game’s final minutes was one for the career highlight reel. With PSG leading, 4-0 at the 85:35 mark, Leandro Paredes passed through the Clermont defense to find Messi inside the box with his back to the goal.

Messi bounced the pass off his chest then flipped upside down for a bicycle kick with his left foot to secure the game’s final margin.

The spectacular play drew cheers from the Clermont home crowd at Stade Gabriel-Montpied Stade.

The win leaves PSG at the top of the standings to start league play as it seeks its fifth Ligue 1 championship in six seasons. For Messi, it was an ideal start to his second season in Paris.