Messi & Suarez star in La Liga curtain raiser

Even by his own stratospheric standards, this was a performance of astonishing brilliance from the Argentine master.

As well as scoring two brilliant goals and acting as the conduit for nearly every attacking move, Messi was sharp and determined off the ball, closing down opposition defenders at every opportunity and regularly snapping into tackles to regain possession.

Despite everything he has achieved – and the frustration of his on-off retirement from international football – Messi still somehow seems to be as hungry as ever, and that can only be wonderful news for Barca as they attempt to secure a third consecutive La Liga title.

It only took six minutes to open the deadlock and Messi, inevitably, was heavily involved as his pinpoint crossfield pass picked out Jordi Alba, whose cutback was dispatched by Arda Turan.

Barca started the game with plenty of zip and zest, but Betis grabbed a leveller with their first shot on target as Ruben Castro blasted a 20 yard free-kick goalwards and Claudio Bravo, probably playing his last game for the Blaugrana, couldn’t keep it out despite getting a strong left hand on the ball.

Any thoughts that the hosts would be thrown off track by conceding were soon dispelled, though, as they resumed their attacking menace with Turan and debutant Denis Suarez going close before Messi smashed a right-footed shot against the crossbar.

Messi would not be denied for long, though, restoring his team’s lead with a masterpiece as he received the ball 30 yards from goal and cut inside to arrow a perfectly struck left-footed missile into the bottom left corner.

The points were made safe before the break as right-back Sergi Roberto, again taking advantage of the lack of defensive width provided by Betis boss Gus Poyet’s 3-5-2 system, advanced to pull back a low cross which Luis Suarez drilled into the bottom corner.

Barca opened the second half with a mesmerising exhibition of attacking football, threatening more goals as Messi and Denis forced saves from visiting keeper Antonio Adan, who was also relieved to see Ivan Rakitic’s low strike fizz past his post.

The fourth soon arrived as a brilliantly executed counter attack resulted in Turan finding Messi, whose unselfishly squared pass gave Suarez a simple close-range finish.

And within seconds it was five as Messi, producing a level of performance which must rank among his personal best, drove towards goal before rifling a fierce low strike past helpless ex-Real Madrid stopper Adan.

With the game well won Barca took their foot off the gas, allowing Enrique to give a league debut to summer signing Lucas Digne, who slotted in next to impressive fellow new boy Samuel Umtiti in the home team back four.

Suarez completed an excellent hat-trick with a powerfully swept free-kick into the left corner, before Betis had the final word with a snapshot from Castro.

But the day belonged to Barca, and specifically to the undisputed king of Nou Camp kings, Messi.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Finding new words to describe Lionel Messi’s performances is impossible, but his football spoke loud and clear for itself for anybody fortunate enough to witness another masterpiece from the little Argentine. His two goals were brutally dispatched, he could have scored more, he created plenty of chances and he worked devilishly hard. What more do you need?

VERDICT

Although the outrageously good Messi will steal the headlines, this was a mightily impressive all-round performance from Barcelona, whose summer reinforcements helped them overcome the absence of seven squad members.

The only black mark was the two goals scored by Betis, and Claudio Bravo will be frustrated to leave Barca – assuming he joins Manchester City next week – after conceding a goal he could have prevented. Betis had no chance, but things will get easier for Gus Poyet’s men.