Having already qualified to the Champions League knockout stage, Barcelona aimed to make Lionel Messi feel comfortable on the pitch. Today, "La Pulga" showed the world he is fully recovered, scoring a brace and handing out an assist during Barça's 6-1 win against Roma.
Luis Suárez started the party with a fine strike after 15 minutes, and Messi joined in after putting to good use a through ball by the Uruguayan. After a massive volley netted by Los Cules' No. 9 and a tap in by Gerard Pique, Messi scored his second goal of the evening with a perfectly crafted play, and even though Szczesny got a hold of the ball, the Argentinean showed no mercy and tapped it in. Minutes later, Adriano bagged the sixth goal for Luis Enrique's side after Neymar missed a penalty kick, leaving Edin Dzeko the chance to redeem himself with the Giallorossi's only goal of the day.
Messi's brace got his goal scoring total in the UEFA Champions League to 79 goals. Furthermore, his assist for Pique's goal was his 23rd in the competitioN, which means he has been directly involved in 102 Champions League goals for Barcelona in 101 games played.
Here's how fans reacted to "La Pulga's" comeback.
Leo Messi tonight: 2 GOALS 1 assists 54 passes completed 1 chance created What a comeback from the King.. pic.twitter.com/x4ZdKf9jWF
— Leo Messi (@messi10stats) November 24, 2015
We’ve missed this celebration. It's taken Messi just 60 minutes to score twice after a two-month injury absence. pic.twitter.com/UDYAV3s54a
— FourFourTweet (@FourFourTweet) November 24, 2015
Messi-Neymar-Suarez. Too good.
— SOCCER.COM (@soccerdotcom) November 24, 2015
MESSI BRACE!! Now all Cules are smiling, even more than before. pic.twitter.com/RyXoi48vQP
— Shaunwan (@CuleTerritory) November 24, 2015
Messi is the greatest sportsperson ever, let alone footballer. Incredible.
— Dave O’Connell (@DaveOCKOP) November 24, 2015
Images: Messi scoring #fcblive [via @shjabk_bdnyay] pic.twitter.com/OYn6VT1NPn
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) November 24, 2015