Merciless, mind-boggling - how do you describe Lionel Messi's display against Real Valladolid? Barcelona ran out 5-1 winners thanks to yet another masterclass from the Argentine. The forward scored his 50th career free-kick, netted another, and provided Arturo Vidal with a sublime assist over the top. And to think, at the start of the season, many had began to wonder whether he was slowing down as he watched his teammate's poor start from the sidelines. Messi is back. 

As much as Barcelona fans were keen to eulogise about his talents, however, they also reserved a little sympathy for Antoine Griezmann. 

When it all comes together, the champions' attack is a glisteningly well-oiled machine. Griezmann does not seem to be a cog in that machine. 

It's no secret that the Frenchman has struggled to adapt since his €120million move from Atletico Madrid. 

On paper, six goals from 14 games isn't too bad a return for a player still settling in. 

Yet he has never looked entirely comfortable. The World Cup winner has been forced out wide to accommodate Messi and Luis Suarez and in return, they don't seem to be helping him.

Barcelona fans spotted the tension once again against Valladolid when the latter duo missed a number of opportunities to pass to Griezmann when he was in a better position in front of goal. 

There were also claims that after complaining to Nélson Semedo about not receiving a pass near the end of the game, Griezmann then headed straight down the tunnel at full-time without acknowledging the fans. 

He admitted in a recent interview that he doesn't speak to Messi a great deal. There's clearly something wrong with their communication. 

It can't have helped matters that Barcelona are already reportedly thinking of using Griezmann as a makeweight in a deal to bring Neymar back from PSG. 

It could be a long season ahead for him.