Paris (AFP)

For the presentation of Lionel Messi to the public of the Parc des Princes, Paris SG was up to the party, Saturday, during the success against Strasbourg (4-2), which nourishes the hopes of a great season.

Messi did not play but PSG nonetheless had a dream evening, the memory of which will long remain engraved in the memory of the 48,000 spectators who have waited for this moment for months.

The return of the supporters, after a year and a half behind closed doors, total or partial, enveloped this meeting with emotion, played in an atmosphere that recalled the evenings of the Champions League.

Supporters of the Ultra Paris Collective encourage Paris Saint-Germain, during their L1 match against Strasbourg, August 14, 2021 at Parc des Princes Bertrand GUAY AFP

On the ground, the Parisians delivered a first period of fire, up to the impatience of their fans, with goals from Mauro Icardi (3rd), Ludovic Ajorque against his camp (25th) and Julian Draxler (27th).

The result was less flamboyant, the fault of the many absences (Neymar, Messi, Di Maria, Verratti ...) which deprived Kylian Mbappé of support, author of two assists.

It took the 4-2 by Pablo Sarabia (85th) to seal a compromised success, for a time, by catchy Strasbourgers.

The joy of Spanish midfielder Pablo Sarabia, after scoring the 4th goal on a pass from Kylian Mbappé, during the L1 home match against Strasbourg, August 14, 2021 at Parc des Princes Bertrand GUAY AFP

Indeed, Kevin Gameiro (53rd) and Ajorque (65th), each of the head, made hover the scenario of a "remountada", until the exclusion of Alexander Djiku (80th) does not thwart their plans. .

This success guarantees PSG to be in the wagon of the leading teams after the second day of Ligue 1.

- Messi acclaimed like a king -

From the boxes, Lionel Messi and Neymar, seated side by side at the start of the match, enjoyed the show, of which they are usually the protagonists.

Argentine strikers Lionel Messi and Brazilian Neymar attend the L1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Strasbourg on August 14, 2021 at Parc des Princes GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT AFP

To see them evolve together at the Park, it will certainly be necessary to wait until the weekend of September 11, after the international break, with the reception of Clermont.

The Parisian public has already given a first glimpse of what the atmosphere will be like when the "Pulga" touches his first balls as a PSG player.

A welcome banner in Spanish, and chants to his glory accompanied the Argentine's presentation, one hour before kick-off.

Alongside other summer rookies Achraf Hakimi, Georginio Wijnaldum, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sergio Ramos, the striker has been hailed like a king.

Argentine striker Lionel Messi makes his debut at the Parc des Princes, during the presentation of the new recruits of Paris Saint-Germain, before the L1 match against Strasbourg, August 14, 2021 Bertrand GUAY AFP

The score was flawless, except for the few whistles when the speaker announced Mbappé's name, ten minutes from kick-off.

They recalled that the future of the Bondy superstar remained full of uncertainties, because of the contract extension that he did not accept, and which suggests his departure this summer.

On the pitch, "Kyky" gave no hint of a thrill.

The 2-0 goal bears his signature: it is his curled shot that Ajorque deflected into his goal.

Less than a minute later, he offered the 3-0 to Draxler, from a center ... still hijacked by an unfortunate Alsatian, Lucas Perrin.

- Decisive Mbappé -

In the second half, the French international, twirling in the left wing, tried to make the break, but he lost his two duels against goalkeeper Matz Sels (47th, 63rd).

Its failures prevented his team from taking shelter, and living a quiet end of the evening, against a Racing not resigned to playing the foil.

The joy of Strasbourg striker Kevin Gameiro, congratulated by his teammates, after scoring against Paris Saint-Germain, during their L1 match, August 14, 2021 at Parc des Princes Bertrand GUAY AFP

The goals of Gameiro and Ajorque punished the decline in intensity of the Parisians, pressing less sharp than before half-time.

But the expulsion of defender Djiku (80th) put an end to the Alsatian ascent.

Five minutes later, Mbappé served Pablo Sarabia (85th) for the 4-2.

Spanish midfielder Pablo Sarabia, congratulated by Kylian Mbappé, after scoring the 4th goal, during the L1 home match against Strasbourg, August 14, 2021 at Parc des Princes Bertrand GUAY AFP

This time, Paris was able to close shop.

Until its next reopening, Friday in Brest, where the expectation will be as strong as a Lionel Messi jersey.

© 2021 AFP