Icon: enlarge
Ansu Fati: He could become the new Barça star
Photo: ALBERT GEA / REUTERS
Messi's apparent resignation, resignation demands against the president and a new coach who sorts out deserving players: Before the first game of the season at FC Barcelona there were all sorts of reasons for anger and conflicts.
But at least in terms of sport, the new season started smoothly: Barça won their first game of the season in the Primera División 4-0 (4-0) against Villarreal.
Double goalscorer Ansu Fati (15th / 19th minute), Lionel Messi (penalty kick / 35th) and an own goal by Pau Torres (45th) made the decision at Camp Nou halfway through.
Coach Ronald Koeman was also hired to bring about a change in the team.
Star striker Luis Suárez left the club a few days ago.
For this, Koeman could rely on the only 17-year-old Fati against Villarreal, who could become a face of upheaval.
With a shot from about 16 meters, the teenager took the lead, before four minutes later he took advantage of the disorder in Villarreal's defense and slid in to make it 2-0.
Messi hits from the point
Fati was also involved in the third goal.
The attacker dribbled past Mario Gaspar in the penalty area, but was brought down by the defender.
Lionel Messi converted the subsequent penalty to 3-0.
The Argentine had actually wanted to leave Barcelona before the season and recently complained publicly about the club's leadership.
Messi got along well with his teammates on the pitch when he celebrated his goal.
Just before the break, Messi played a high ball into Villarreal's penalty area, which Torres steered into his own goal.
The goal to 4-0 was the last of the game, in the second half there were no more hits.
"We lost a bit of intensity in the second half and they made it harder for us, but overall we leave our first game with a good feeling," said midfielder Sergio Busquets: "We're close to the team we want to be. "
For Barcelona it was the first competitive game of the season because the club had played in the Champions League in August and was therefore allowed to take a longer break.
Atlético Madrid also played their first game of the season on Sunday, when former Barça striker Suárez scored twice in the 6-1 win over Granada.
Icon: The mirror
ptz / sid