PSG will be happier on the pitch when Lionel Messi swaps the executive box for the penalty box

On reflection, Paris Saint-Germain should have brought Lionel Messi back out at half-time.

For while he remains unfit, parading the Argentine on the pitch before and during games is perhaps the best way of him impacting results.

Messi’s pre-match introduction here was the inspiration behind three home goals inside 27 minutes, such was the carnival feel to an atmosphere illuminated by a float of summer signings.

The French side need Messi and Neymar (right) on the pitch instead of in the executive box

But then came the circus act. PSG’s defenders weren’t wearing red noses, but they were left with red faces as unfashionable Strasbourg strutted to a pair of easy goals early in the second half. It was only a visiting red card that denied them their comeback.

On this evidence, when Messi and Neymar are ready to play, attack will likely be the best form of defence for Mauricio Pochettino. Either that, or the PSG boss hopes the inclusion of Sergio Ramos makes a difference.

Who would have thought this a few months ago? Messi and Ramos, for so long rivals on either side on Spain’s El Clasico, hugging one another during their unveiling at Parc des Princes.

Former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos (left) has offered to house Messi and his family

From kicking him to cuddling him, the ex-Real Madrid captain has even offered to house Messi and his family if they grow tired of Le Royal Monceau Hotel, just off the Champs Elysees.

The stadium DJ was also on message with Pochettino’s call for togetherness, twice playing Go West by the Village People, including the lyrics, ‘Together, we will fly so high. Together, tell all our friends goodbye. Together, we will start life new. Together, this is what we’ll do’.

The one man on the outside of this happy family is Kylian Mbappe. He, and not Messi, has been on the front page of L’Equipe this weekend.

On Saturday, the sports daily asked what would happen now with the 22-year-old contract rebel, who has designs on a move to Real Madrid. He was later booed by PSG’s supporters.

However, the same paper carried the image of a smiling Mbappe celebrating one of the two goals he created. He also scored one of his own in an outstanding performance.

Kylian Mbappe (R) scored one and assisted one in a brilliant performance in the 4-2 win

Pochettino spun his phone on the table when asked about the striker, insisting all was well. It must feel like he is spinning plates, integrating his galaxy of stars and dealing with one or two on a seemingly different orbit.

‘It was an amazing day for the PSG family,’ said Pochettino. ‘The presentation of the signings was exciting.’

Even though we saw six goals, the evening will be best remembered for events prior to the game. The only thing hotter than the sun above Paris was the ticket in the hands of those who packed the streets around the stadium waiting for the gates to open two hours before kick-off.

‘We are Paris’ read the T-shirts worn by Messi and Ramos as they were joined by fellow signings Georginio Wijnaldum, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Achraf Hakimi.

Mauricio Pochettino called for togetherness and said his team of stars have to work together

The feelgood factor spilled over into a blistering opening in which Mauro Icardi, Mbappe and Julian Draxler were on target. Then, though, came the reminder that PSG will be happier on the pitch when Messi and Co swap the executive box for the penalty box.

Pochettino was pacing the touchline at 3-2 and with just reason, for any game that does not end in victory will lead to scrutiny of his position.

‘PSG needs to win in all competitions,’ he said. ‘Our big names are here, we need to work together.’

Messi and Ramos could well set an unlikely example for such unity.