Lionel Messi set up two goals and scored one himself as Barcelona returned to the pitch and returned to the win column on Saturday. Three months after LaLiga halted play due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Blaugrana had few problems beating relegation-threatened Mallorca 4-0.
Messi was in the middle of three of the four goals and debuted his adorable new quarantine haircut.
The oddest moment of the match occurred outside the run of play, when a fan managed to find a way into the stadium and onto the pitch, interrupting the match briefly in the second half. And yes, the match was played without fans.
How did a fan get on the pitch when there is no fans allowed in the stadium!?!?!? pic.twitter.com/XJwNphshtV
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) June 13, 2020
Mallorca vs Barcelona Highlights
Barcelona took the lead in the opening minutes when Jordi Alba teed up a header from Arturo Vidal.
About 10 minutes before halftime, Martin Braithwaite scored his first Barcelona goal off an odd assist from Messi. The diminutive Argentine managed to nod the ball with his head over a defender to Braithwaite, who finished superbly.
Messi’s next assist was far more indicative of the maestro’s talents. In the 79th minute, Messi played a first-time ball through to Alba, who finished well at the near post.
Finally, after three months away and more than 90 minutes, Messi got himself on the scoresheet. The Barcelona No. 10 cut inside on his weaker right foot but still found a way to hit a deflected shot into the back of the net.
The win sent Barcelona five points clear of Real Madrid, which returns to the pitch on Sunday against Eibar.
