Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring in the first minutes of the match (5) and Messi, in his first match since the World Cup final on December 18, doubled the lead on the score (72).
This victory also gives the Parisians a cushion of six points, after Lens (2nd) drew 2-2 in Strasbourg (19th).
For their part, Marseille took advantage of their visit to Troyes (13th) to establish themselves on the podium with a 2-0 victory and Rennes, despite being defeated 2-1 in Clermont (9th), maintains fourth position.
Monaco (5th) managed to salvage a 2-2 draw in the final minutes against Lorient (6th), thanks to a late goal from Wissam Ben Yedder (90+3).
Also as visitors, Lille (7th) and Lyon (8th) did not go beyond a 0-0 draw against Brest (17th) and Nantes (14th) respectively. There was more action in the wins of Toulouse (12th) 5-0 in Auxerre (18th) and Nice (10th) 6-1 receiving Montpellier (15th).