Twitter explodes as Messi and Neymar shine together in Mbappe's absence to help PSG secure stunning 5-0 win over Clermont Foot

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) registered a comfortable 5-0 win over Clermont Foot during their opening game of the Ligue 1 season, thanks to Neymar and Lionel Messi.

The Ligue 1 champions dominated the game from the get-go and cruised to victory despite the absence of Kylian Mbappe, who missed out due to a groin injury.

It took the South American superstars just nine minutes to impact the game, as the duo combined in eye-catching fashion to break the deadlock.

Pablo Sarabia, who started in place of Mbappe, found Messi inside the penalty area with a neat pass and the Argentine superstar produced a moment of pure genius.

The forward flicked the ball behind him and into the path of Neymar with his weaker right foot, allowing the Brazilian to smash home the opening goal of the game.

Riding on the momentum of the early goal, PSG doubled their advantage in the 26th minute. The duo were yet again involved in the build-up as they orchestrated a lightning quick counter-attack.

Achraf Hakimi made a driving run into the hosts' penalty area after Neymar found him with an inch-perfect pass following his clever exchange with Messi.

The Moroccan made no mistake from close range as he buried a shot past goalkeeper Mory Diaw for Clermont Foot.

Christophe Galtier's men added another goal before half-time after Neymar found Marquinhos with a perfect delivery from a free-kick. The PSG captain planted his header into the back of the net to make it 3-0 in the 38th minute.

Even after the interval, the visitors pushed hard to add to their lead. Nuno Mendes, in particular, looked threatening on the left, while Messi also had a few attempts at goal, albeit unsuccessful.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner finally scored in the 80th minute after a move brought to life by himself. Messi picked up the ball and pierced the Clermont Foot defense with a direct run before sliding the ball towards Neymar.

Quite unselfishly, Neymar produced a cut-back that allowed him to slot the ball past Diaw. The Argentine scored again six minutes later in stunning fashion to make it 5-0 and complete the rout.

Second-half substitute Leandro Paredes produced a clever lobbed pass and Messi converted it with a stunning overhead kick, much to the delight of his teammates and fans.

After what proved to be a masterclass from the PSG superstar, several fans on Twitter couldn't help but notice his stellar display. On that note, here are some of the best reactions to the game:

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