PSG 4-0 Reims: 5 talking points as Ramos opens account in comfortable win for hosts | Ligue 1 2021-22

#3 Lionel Messi sizzles in cameo appearance

Lionel Messi started from the Parisians' bench against Reims.

Lionel Messi stepped onto the pitch for the first time this year for PSG on Sunday. He was not expected to start this game, having recently recovered from COVID-19.

The Argentine looked sharp in his cameo, having come onto the pitch in the 63rd minute in place of his compatriot Angel Di Maria. It took him just four minutes to get involved in a goal.

Following a short corner, he spotted Verratti's run into the box. The Italian midfielder took a first-time shot, having already registered himself on the scoresheet. The shot deflected off a Reims defender on its way in. While Messi did not get an assist for the goal, he was heavily involved in it.

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#2 PSG impress in routine win

Mauricio Pochettino will be happy with PSG's performance on Sunday night.

PSG looked like an improved side against Reims, as they showed determination going forward, and there was never a dull moment in the game. The hosts continued to put the pressure on Reims in search of goals and also contained the visiting side's attackers quite well.

The capital club have received flak for their unconvincing performances in the league this term. So it was a welcome sight to see their players working as a cohesive unit. Though there were a few lapses in defence, especially in the first half, the Parisians dished out an impressive performance overall.

They are now unbeaten in their last 11 games across competitions. Les Parisiens have kept a clean sheet in consecutive league games for the first time since September.

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#1 Comfortable win boosts PSG's confidence ahead of tricky fixtures

The Parisians will play four important games in the next three weeks.

There were a lot of positives to take away from the game for the hosts. That included Messi's return to the pitch, and Kylian Mbappe's rich form as he picked up his ninth assist of the campaign.

The Parisians must build on this win and not become complacent as they face some tough opponents in the next few days. They face second-placed Nice in a Cup game and reigning champions Lille in their next league outing.

They'll then host Rennes, the only club to have beaten them in the league this term. Roughly three weeks from now, the Parisians will take on Real Madrid in the first leg of a blockbuster Champions League last 16 fixture.