Paris Saint-Germain signed off their pre-season tour of Japan with a 6-2 thrashing of Gamba Osaka.

The team currently sitting 16th in the J1 League table simply couldn't handle the star-studded visitors.

Goals from Pablo Sarabia, Neymar, Nuno Mendes and Lionel Messi gave Christophe Galtier's side a 4-1 advantage by the half-time interval.

Neymar got on the scoresheet for a second time after the break, before Kylian Mbappe completed the scoring from the penalty spot late on.

It was a fairly easy night's work for PSG truth be told, with Gamba Osaka putting up little resistance throughout proceedings.

But to borrow an overused cliche, you can only play who is in front of you.

And the fact of the matter is PSG flexed their talented muscles and were brilliant for the most part, particularly Messi.

Lionel Messi in action for PSG vs Gamba Osaka

SUITA, JAPAN - JULY 25: Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain in action during the preseason friendly between Paris Saint-Germain and Gamba Osaka at Panasonic Stadium Suita on July 25, 2022 in Suita, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner endured a tough time in 2021/22 with various injuries and a bout of Covid-19, although he did still managed to bag 11 goals and 15 assists across all competitions.

But in 2022/23, we may finally see the very best version of Messi once again.

He's fully adapted to life in Paris now and will have a full pre-season campaign behind him this time around.

Of course, we can't say for sure that we'll bare witness to Messi at the peak of his powers in a PSG shirt, but after watching his individual highlights against Gamba Osaka, it looks more than likely to us.

Video: Messi's highlights from PSG 6-2 Gamba Osaka

Fan reaction to Messi's masterclass

That's something close to the Messi we all know and love.

His goal came courtesy of a lovely first-time finish from inside the box, while the assist he provided for Neymar's second goal was a beautifully-weighted through ball.

Messi still needs to do some work on his finishing, as it's not quite what it was, but the signs overall look pretty good as we approach the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

PSG have one more game left before they get down to business in Ligue 1, the Trophee des Champions final against Nantes on July 30th.

Lionel Messi and Neymar vs Gamba Osaka

SUITA, JAPAN - JULY 25: Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr of Paris Saint-Germain talk before a free kick during the preseason friendly between Paris Saint-Germain and Gamba Osaka at Panasonic Stadium Suita on July 25, 2022 in Suita, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)

After that, it's a trip to Clermont Foot to kickstart their league season, before a home encounter versus Montpellier the following week.

Will PSG retain their Ligue 1 crown? Well, with Messi, Neymar and Mbappe all looking sharp in pre-season, we can't see any other team in the division getting close to them.

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