No Neymar , no Luis Suarez and as yet no Ousmane Dembele, but Barcelona can still count on the best player onf the planet and Lionel Messi guaranteed a much-needed confidence boost at Alaves.
Messi's one weakness was also exposed as he failed to find the net from the penalty spot seven minutes before half-time.
However, he settled the visitors' nerves by drilling home with the aid of a deflection just after the break.
Messi then ensured there would be no way back for an Alaves side lackig cutting edge by classily volleying home his second of the afternoon from the edge of the box.
The Argentine could even have had a hat-trick as his next effort clipped the bar and his performance would have dserved it.
But after a turbulent few weeks for Barca, things are looking up two wins to start their La Liga campaign and Dembele and Suarez to return.
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