Of course Lionel Messi scored Barcelona’s first goal of 2019.

The Argentinian needed just 20 minutes to open the scoring in Barcelona’s 2-1 win against Getafe on Sunday evening.

Messi has now scored 22 goals in all competitions this season as he continues to play at an exceptional level.

He’s making his fifth-placed finish at the Ballon d’Or look like a joke with each passing match.

"Leo is the best player in the world, wherever he plays,” Luis Suarez, who scored Barcelona’s second goal, said, per Sport.

“He's got details of a different class of player and to share the pitch with him is incredible."

Yet there was one moment against Getafe where Messi was made to look human.

Messi gets nutmegged by Getafe's Mata

It came in the 64 minute when Messi was in a race to the ball with Getafe’s Jaime Mata.

Messi, who so often leaves opposing players with egg on their face, was on the receiving end this time as Mata got to the ball first and nutmegged him.

Mata’s never going to forget that moment. Indeed, Argentinian newspaper Clarin joked that he is going to tell his grandchildren.

Sunday was a great day for Barcelona.

Not only did they win but Real Madrid were beaten by Real Sociedad and Sevilla and Atletico Madrid played out a 1-1 draw.

The results mean that Barcelona have a five point lead over Atletico Madrid in the La Liga title race.

But Valverde isn’t ready to rule out the challenge of the Madrid clubs.

"I don't think too much on the rest of the results. I think about what we have in front of us and never rule out the teams in Madrid or the rest,” Barcelona’s boss said, per Goal.

Valverde guided the Blaugrana to the title last season and with Messi playing at such a high level, they are strong favourites to retain the title this time around.