Agencies
Paris
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) presented Lionel Messi on the pitch before scoring a 4-2 win over Strasbourg after leading 3-0 at half time in the French Ligue 1 at the at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Saturday.
Mauro Icardi scored the opening goal for PSG in the third minute before Kylian Mbappe struck in the 25th minute.
Julian Draxier scored two minutes later to make 3-0 for PSG before half time.
The fourth goal for the winner came from Pablo Sarabia in the 86th minute.
For Strasbourg, Kevin Gameiro and Ludovic Ajorque scored in the 53rd and 64th minutes.
At the start, Messi was introduced to the Paris St-Germain fans before the home game.
He was presented with fellow signings Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Georginio Wijnaldum and Achraf Hakimi.
The 34-year-old joined PSG on a two-year deal earlier this week after leaving Barcelona.
The Argentina international has not played since the Copa America final on July 10.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino suggested on the eve of the game with Strasbourg that he would not take any risks regarding Messi’s fitness.
Neymar was also not included in the squad as he builds up his fitness following his own participation at the Copa America.
Meanwhile, it was announced on Friday that Sergio Ramos, signed on a free transfer from Real Madrid last month, will be out of action until after September’s international break through injury.
PSG kicked off their Ligue 1 campaign with a 2-1 comeback win at Troyes last week and are seeking back-to-back wins to begin a new league season for the first time in three years.
ScorelinecColor:> Paris Saint-Germain 4 (Mauro Icardi 3’, Kylian Mbappe 25’, Julian Draxier 27’, Pablo Sarabia 86’) bt Strasbourg 2 (Kevin Gameiro 53’, Ludovic Ajorque 64’).