Koeman takes control: Messi starts, Suarez out

One week after announcing he would be staying at Barça, against his will, Lionel Messi was handed a start in the club's first preseason friendly under Ronald Koeman. The Argentine star will see out the final year of his contract and will do what he's always done: become an untouchable member of the team. That's why he's the best player in the world.

Leo's situation is a world away from that of his friend Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan striker wasn't even named in the matchday squad after Koeman told him he didn't figure into his plans going forward. Arturo Vidal, Rafinha, Wague and Matheus were all absent too.

Koeman made it clear he would make the decisions at Barça this season. The squad needs an overhaul and Suarez is easily the biggest victim of the regime change. It shouldn't be forgotten that Suarez is the third highest goalscorer in the history of Barça and he's likely to leave through the back door. His awkward departure, being held up by his desire to be satisfied financially, means a farewell like Rakitic's isn't on the cards.

The presence of Messi alongside the absence of Suarez were the main talking points from Koeman's first match in charge. It's hard and unwise to make too many decisions based off one match, although it was refreshing to see Dembele appear after nine months out. It's all or nothing for him at Barça this season. He was named in the XI - and scored - which is a promising start.