Just like in 2015, will we see a 'new' Messi this season?

The last time we saw Messi in an official match he left the field with head down wishing the ground would swallow him up. Argentina had lost to France in the Last 16 of the 2018 World Cup. Once again, the hopes of a nation overwhelmed Messi. In 2014, in Brazil, he also left the pitch on a negative note - and that time it was a lot more painful. Leo dragged his team to the World Cup final before Gotze stole it away from him during extra time. But luck wasn't on his side as an effort flew wide of the post by a few centimetres.

So, like now, many were wondering if they were witnessing the best player in history begin to decline, but nothing could be further from the truth. Messi reinvented himself. He changed his diet and a year later he had led Barça to a treble victory under Luis Enrique.

I hope that history repeats itself. It's difficult, but not impossible. And today we'll see how how Messi is shaping up. It'll be the first time we see Leo on the pitch since the World Cup. We'll know whether or not he's been capable of overcoming his demons. The date could be historic. If Barça win, and as captain for the first time, it'll be his 33rd trophy at the club. No one has won as many as that. Iniesta finished with 32 and Leo can do it by beating Sevilla, a side he's scored 31 goals against in 33 matches.

Everybody will be looking at the Argentine who hasn't played or spoken since he left Russia. However the first images of him at training leave you in no doubt. He's smiling once again alongside Luis Suarez and physically he looks in perfect shape. For another year, he'll be the best. Because regardless of the results there's no doubt that the number ten at Barcelona is in a category superior to everybody else.