Messi Runs The Show As Barcelona Spank Mallorca

Lionel Messi was in an inspired form as Barcelona returned to La Liga action with a 4-0 drubbing of Mallorca.

The League was put on hold due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, but Barcelona didn't show any signs of match rustiness as they took hosts to the cleaners.

Arturo Vidal opened the scoring just two minutes into the encounter to set the ball rolling, Martin Braithwaite added the second goal to give Barcelona a 2-0 lead at the end of the first half.

Jordi Alba scored the third goal after he was teed up by Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez came on to make his first appearance since he underwent a knee surgery in January.

Lionel Messi completed a virtuoso performance by scoring the last goal, he also assisted two goals as Barcelona underlined their title credentials.

"I'm happy because starting like this is an enormous boost for what's to come," said Barcelona coach Quique Setien.