Messi opens Paris St.-Germain’s Ligue 1 title defense with a spectacular overhead kick

Lionel Messi picks up exactly where he left off.

The reigning Ballon d’Or winner and striker for Ligue 1 champions Paris St-Germain led his club in the start of their title defense on Saturday. So far, so good.

Messi scored two goals in the 5-0 win against Clermont. His second in the final minutes of the game was one for the career highlight role. With PSG ahead, 4-0 at the 85-35 mark, Leandro Paredes cut through Clermont’s defense to find Messi in the penalty area with his back to goal.

Messi bounced the pass off his chest and then turned his left foot for an overhead kick to seal the game’s final lead.

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

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