Barcelona’s opening La Liga match of the season saw Lionel Messi score twice as they beat Elche 3-0 at Camp Nou.
The game was partially delayed moments after kick-off due to a stray black cat roaming the field of the Camp Nou but it bought little bad luck to Barca as they cruised to an opening day win.
The home side nearly took the lead through the excellent work of Munir El Haddadi but the youngsters effort cannoned back off the crossbar and away to safety.
The Catalan side started the game well with a new look front three of Munir, Rafinha and Leo Messi linking well but it was another Barca player in Andres Iniesta who then came close, replicating Munir’s earlier effort and hitting the crossbar.
With just five minutes left on the clock in the first half, a revitalised Leo Messi took matters into his own hands and gave his side the lead, turning two defenders before slotting the ball home.
Moments later though, Barca would be reduced tot ten-men as Javier Mascherano was sent off for a trip on last man Garry Rodrigues.
The lesser man however saw Barca fail to be tested by Elche and up until the final whistle, keeper Claudio Bravo did not have a single shot to save.
Moments into the second half and it would be 2-0 as Munir got himself a much deserved goal, breaking free in the box before tapping a delightful finish past the visiting keeper.
Messi would then add a third with a typically genius goal, beating three defenders before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.