Messi Turns on the Style as PSG Begin Ligue 1 Title Defense

Lionel Messi scored twice late on to seal a 5-0 win for PSG away at Clermont Jean-Philippe KSIAZEK AFP
Lionel Messi scored twice late on to seal a 5-0 win for PSG away at Clermont Jean-Philippe KSIAZEK AFP
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Messi Turns on the Style as PSG Begin Ligue 1 Title Defense

Lionel Messi scored twice late on to seal a 5-0 win for PSG away at Clermont Jean-Philippe KSIAZEK AFP
Lionel Messi scored twice late on to seal a 5-0 win for PSG away at Clermont Jean-Philippe KSIAZEK AFP

Lionel Messi scored twice in the second half, including with a stunning overhead kick, as Paris Saint-Germain began their defense of the Ligue 1 title with a 5-0 demolition of Clermont on Saturday.

Neymar opened the scoring for PSG in Clermont before setting up Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos for further goals before half-time.

Messi then exchanged passes with Neymar before sidefooting in the visitors' fourth goal with 10 minutes left, AFP reported.

Yet Messi saved the best for last, darting into the box four minutes from the end to control a Leandro Paredes pass on his chest with his back to goal, before converting with an acrobatic overhead kick.

That goal had the crowd at Clermont's Stade Gabriel-Montpied singing the name of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, who endured a difficult first season in Paris.

PSG's victory in new coach Christophe Galtier's first league game at the helm was achieved without Kylian Mbappe, who was absent due to an adductor injury.

Mbappe also missed last week's 4-0 defeat of Nantes in the season-opening Champions Trophy due to suspension.

Messi had opened the scoring in that game, while Neymar netted a brace.



Referee Webb Substituted Due to Head Injury on Premier League Debut

Football - Premier League - Leicester City v Southampton - King Power Stadium, Leicester, Britain - May 3, 2025 Referee David Webb receives medical attention after sustaining an injury. (Action Images via Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Leicester City v Southampton - King Power Stadium, Leicester, Britain - May 3, 2025 Referee David Webb receives medical attention after sustaining an injury. (Action Images via Reuters)
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Referee Webb Substituted Due to Head Injury on Premier League Debut

Football - Premier League - Leicester City v Southampton - King Power Stadium, Leicester, Britain - May 3, 2025 Referee David Webb receives medical attention after sustaining an injury. (Action Images via Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Leicester City v Southampton - King Power Stadium, Leicester, Britain - May 3, 2025 Referee David Webb receives medical attention after sustaining an injury. (Action Images via Reuters)

Referee David Webb suffered a head injury and was replaced following a delay of several minutes during the first half of Leicester City's Premier League game against Southampton on Saturday.

Webb, refereeing his first Premier League match at the age of 49, was struck in the face by the shoulder of Leicester forward Jordan Ayew and fell to the pitch. Leicester striker Jamie Vardy ran over to Webb and blew his whistle to signal for help.

Webb received treatment but was unable to continue and after a 12-minute delay he was replaced by fourth official Sam Barrott.