Lionel Messi was surprisingly named on the bench for Barcelona’s La Liga clash against Real Betis on Saturday afternoon.Ronald Koeman decided to name his captain and star man on the bench, despite Barça’s poor position in the table.The Catalan club started the day in 13th place, having picked up eight points from their opening six matches.Messi, who went viral for failing to close down an opponent in the latter stages of Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League, took his place on the bench but was called upon at half-time with the scores level at 1-1.Ousmane Dembele broke the deadlock for Barcelona at Camp Nou, but Antonio Sanabria levelled the scores on the stroke of half-time.Antoine Griezmann also missed a spot-kick in the first half with regular penalty taker Messi watching on from the dugout.
But the Frenchman made amends early in the second half, thanks in no small part to Messi.While the Argentine won’t be credit for the assist - that will be awarded to Jordi Alba - it was a moment of genius from the six-time Ballon d’Or winner that made the goal.As Alba flashed the ball in from the left wing, Messi showed incredible vision to allow the ball to roll through to Griezmann, who couldn’t miss from close range.
With one clever step-over, Messi had taken out two defenders and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.Watch it here…
Pure brilliance.
Messi then went on to score a penalty on the hour-mark.
Before netting his second of the game with an emphatic finish from close range...
Now that’s what you call having an impact.