Lionel Messi has scored his first goal from open play with a rocket of a finish against Real Betis on Saturday.
The Argentine has been finding it relatively difficult this season, scoring “only” nine goals in 13 matches in all competitions for Barcelona this season.
However, a real problem for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner has been the fact that since the appointment of Ronald Koeman as manager, he hadn’t hit the back of the net from open play – until this weekend.
Possibly with that on his mind, Messi didn’t mess around with this chance, smashing it into the roof of the net to give the goalkeeper no chance of saving it.
A classy back heel assist from Sergi Roberto set up the forward with a one-two, after Francisco Trincão had originally fed Messi the ball.
https://twitter.com/PremierSportsTV/status/1325121493622267906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1325121493622267906%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportbible.com%2F
The goal added to the 33-year-old’s tally after an earlier penalty, and added the fourth of a 5-2 rout of Real Betis for Barcelona. The other goals came from Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, and Pedri, with Antonio Sanabria and Loren grabbing the consolations for the opposition.
The Blaugrana have found life difficult under new coach Koeman, and this victory was in dire need after a run of four games without a win in La Liga.
The Catalan side currently it in eighth place, six points off leaders Real Sociedad and five from second-placed Real Madrid.
They face Atletico Madrid after the international break, coming face to face with Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan left the Nou Camp in the summer following six seasons with Barcelona.
Follow our socials Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google News.
