Earlier this week, Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman admitted that Lionel Messi's performances "could be better" after a slow start to the season. It's fair to say Messi responded to that message on Tuesday night.
In the club's opening Champions League Group G clash against Hungarian side Ferencvaros, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored in what is his SIXTEENTH consecutive UCL season; becoming the first player in history to do so.
Messi cooly converted from the penalty spot in the 27th minute after a quite remarkable individual run that started just yards from the half-way line, proving in turn that he is still arguably the best dribbler in world football.
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You can watch Messi's outrageous solo run at 1:24 in the below highlights package from BT Sport.
After knocking the ball past a Ferencvaros player near the touchline, Messi cuts inside and takes on another before winning a stonewall penalty. He quickly got to his feet, took a deep breath and slotted away to make it 1-0.
Just days after Koeman criticised his captain for a far-from-ordinary start to the campaign, the Barcelona manager says he was happy with what he saw at the Camp Nou last night.
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"If he plays like he did tonight, I will have no complaints over Leo," he said at full-time.
"He worked hard, he scored from the penalty spot but I then I too used to score penalties. If he doesn't score but gives two or three assists we cannot ask more of him.
"We have people up front playing well and that is the best thing for a coach. I think we have shown that we have great players up front.
"With a great Leo, with two assists, and that is why we leave here happy. There is competition and not just for the right wing. We can play differently with Leo out wide or at No.10. There are great players in attack."
Thoughts on Messi's performance against Ferencvaros on Tuesday night?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: bEINsportTopics:ย Football News, Football, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Champions League, Penalty
