The goals keep coming as Lionel Messi starts 2017
Messi's goal was his 24th of the season, the first of the year for Barcelona, just like last year
When the first half ended, Barcelona's players surrounded referee Borbalan. But Messi waited for everyone else to have their say before he spoke to the referee. He was visibly angry with the official. Barcelona fans, while annoyed with the game, would have been pleased to see this at least, with Messi showing his passion from the start of 2017.
He soon had a goal, ramming in a free-kick early in the second half. If it had been another player it would have been analysed in great detail, but with Messi, it's almost routine.
Messi's goal was his 24th of the season, the first of the year for Barcelona, just like last year. His goal means the team have a good chance to salvage the tie in the second leg next week.
Messi has now scored in all of the competitions and is on a run of three scoring games in a row, as he waits for his new contract.
He turns 30 in June, in a year full of challenges, including taking the Ballon d'Or back. Winning the Champions League again too is important, although the Argentine's biggest dream is winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2018. Until then, his goals will be Barcelona's thermometer.
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