Lionel Messi just scored his first Barcelona goal since ‘the incident’ - and it’s a stunner
Lionel Messi has scored his first goal for Barcelona since telling the club he wanted to leave this summer.
The legendary Argentine forward, who reluctantly agreed to stay put at Camp Nou after Barça made it clear that they wouldn’t sell him for anything less than his €700 million release clause, netted his team’s second goal against Girona on the stroke of half-time.
Barcelona were already 1-0 up thanks to a great team goal, finished off by Philippe Coutinho.
Messi played a key role in Coutinho’s opener, producing a delightful disguised pass for Francisco Trincao, who squared for his Brazilian teammate.
However, the moment of the first half was undoubtedly Messi’s brilliant right-footed (yes, right-footed!) strike from outside the box.
Coutinho passed the ball to Messi, who span his marker before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net.
Girona’s goalkeeper Juan Carlos looked on helplessly as the ball cannoned off his far post and into the back of the net.
Now that is special.
Even at the age of 33, Messi is still the world’s best footballer.
And it’s easy to see why Barcelona had absolutely no intention of listening to any offers for their inspirational star man.
You can also watch Messi’s ‘pre-assist’ (if such a thing exists) for Coutinho’s goal…
• Neymar accused of using homophobic slur against opponent
