FC Barcelona 3-4 Real Betis: 5 takeaways from the game

#2 Lionel Messi: The lone warrior for Barcelona

You have to feel for Lionel Messi. Most likely he will get trolled for the result as Barcelona managed to do well without him. But this game could have been a lot different if Messi wasn't present, by which I mean, a lot worse for Barcelona.

He fended off his fracture, earlier than many expected him to and returned to the starting line-up before the expected Atletico game. He wasn't a liability on the team and had an unlikely high work rate because his team trailed. He attempted a lot in the first half, the Betis defence not managing to push him off the ball by any means. He created soon after Barcelona conceded, off a free kick. He sent the ball right into Lenglet's head but Pau Lopez saved the header.

He started the second half strongly as well, attempting shots which went just wide. He tried playing Suarez in on several occasions but Suarez missed his chances. Finally, when he had the chance, he stepped up to take the penalty under pressure and scored. He dropped deep into the pitch for the first time in a long time to recover the ball.

Messi's neat through ball created the second goal for Barcelona. Bypassing the defence it went straight to Munir. Messi added another goal in late added time but it was too little too late for Barcelona.

Messi attempted a total of 7 shots with only two off target. Completed 7 out of 8 attempted dribbles and made 5 key passes. He finished the game as the man of the match, but he wouldn't be happy with the result.

Lionel doesn't deserve the blame for the result by any means.