LIONEL MESSI overshadowed Ansu Fati’s history-making goal with a glorious victory-clinching dribble for ten-man Barcelona to banish memories of his summer transfer saga.
Fati became only the second Barca 17-year-old to reach ten LaLiga strikes as Ronald Koeman’s new-look side made it two wins from their first two games.
Lionel Messi celebrates the wonder dribble that created Barcelona’s second goal in a 3-0 LaLigs winCredit: Reuters
Nou Camp legend Lionel Messi peaked his brilliant run with this cross-shot that was turned into his own net by Celta’s Lucas OlazaCredit: AFP or licensors
Already capped twice by Spain, striker Fati notched his third goal in two matches with a stylish two-touch finish from Philippe Coutinho’s tee-up.
And despite defender Clement Lenglet seeing red on 41 minutes for his second booking, Messi conjured the moment of the match to finish off Celta Vigo early in the second period
The 33-year-old Argentinian snaked past two players on the right of the box with dazzling footwork for a cross-shot turned into his own net by Lucas Olaza.
Sergi Roberto then smashed Barca’s third deep into stoppage time.
Defeat ended Celta’s unbeaten three-game start to LaLiga, while fifth-placed Barcelona and Sevilla are the only 100% teams.
Most of their rivals have played more than twice, with leaders Getafe a point ahead on seven from three matches.
Until Fati, the only Barca player to achieve double figures in league goals before his 18th birthday was once-capped Spaniard Bojan, 30, now with Montreal Impact, who played for Stoke from 2014-19.
And now Fati must be dreaming of emulating one-club icon Messi more than Bojan.
Yet barely six weeks ago Messi was pleading to leave the Nou Camp, before eventually accepting he would have to stay until at least his contract runs out next summer.
Ansu Fatis salutes his brilliant breakthrough goal for BarcelonaCredit: AP:Associated Press
Sergi Roberto has a vision of victory after bagging Barcelona’s third goal in stoppage timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
