On Tuesday, Barcelona played their first Champions League match since the 8-2 hammering against Bayern Munich in last season’s quarter-finals.
And they fared slightly better this time, beating Ferencvaros 5-1 in their opening Champions League group game.
There were five different scorers against the Hungarian side with Lionel Messi, Ansu Fati, Coutinho, Pedri and Dembele all getting on the scoresheet.
To see a pair of 19-year-olds on Fati and Pedri produce on the biggest stage must have been extremely pleasing for Ronald Koeman.
But so too must have been the performance of 33-year-old GOAT Lionel Messi.
Following Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat to Getafe on Saturday, Koeman suggested that Messi’s performances could be better.
“Maybe, at the moment, Messi’s performances could be better,” said the Dutchman – a former Barca player himself. “But he is happy, he is working hard and he wants to be the captain.
“I don’t have a single complaint. He has also had some bad luck; he hit the post [against Getafe] and on another day that goes in.
“I don’t have any doubts about his performances and we’re going to see him [at his best] in the upcoming games, I’m sure.”
And that was the case against Ferencvaros.
Messi was back to his best and his incredible run to win his side a penalty in the first half proved it.
In the 26th-minute Messi picked up the ball just inside the opponent’s half, near the touchline. There was a long way and many defenders in-between him and the Ferencvaros penalty area.
But when has that ever stopped him?
Within seconds, he had skipped past three defenders and was brought down to win his side a spot-kick.
Incredible.
Messi proving that he’s still the best dribbler in the world.
While he may be the best dribbler in world football, he’s certainly not the best penalty taker in world football. But he managed to put his side 1-0 ahead from 12 yards before going on to help his side win comfortably.
Lionel Messi producing magical moments in the Champions League - enjoy it while it lasts.