Barcelona started their 2017/18 La Liga season with a winning start even as talisman Lionel Messi missed out on scoring his 350th league goal
Lionel Messi’s 350th La Liga goal remained elusive even as he hit the post about three times in Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Real Betis on an emotional night in Catalonia. The evening kicked off with the club paying tribute to the victims of the devastating terror attack a couple of days before.
Although the Catalans will be happy to get to a winning start, the 30-year-old Messi failed to reach his latest landmark against a relatively easy opponent. The player appeared visibly frustrated even as Camp Nou was shrouded with celebrations after the final whistle.
Alin Tosca’s own goal and a second from Sergi Roberto earned Barcelona a decent victory. The fact that it was achieved without the help of Neymar – and injured duo Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez – could prove to be a welcome sign. Like always, Twitter exploded with reactions, and THT takes a look at some of the best ones:
When you watch Lionel Messi play… pic.twitter.com/kdjBrdrt8i
— Leo Messi (@messi10stats) August 21, 2017
Definitely one of the best without-a-goal performances I've seen in my life. What a player Lionel Messi pic.twitter.com/cMwaVP1q3g
— mx (@BUSQXETS2) August 20, 2017
Watching Messi is joyous.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 20, 2017
81: Messi hits the woodwork for a third time with a missile from outside the box! #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/L1LwODmfFO
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 20, 2017
Leo Messi vs Real Betis (H)
No Neymar, No Suarez, Messi still gets the job done. Enjoy.https://t.co/rUPskD9pQR— Enzo (@Eliminastrio) August 20, 2017
This is the reason that Messi kept smashing the posts today. #BartomeuDimiteHoy pic.twitter.com/f8fdmLMBwt
— Sjr (@_ASakka) August 20, 2017
Messi could've had a hattrick another day. Amazing performance
— Messi World (@MessiWorId) August 20, 2017
This Messi roly-poly is one of the best things you'll ever see ?pic.twitter.com/p4D9p9BWzb
— BigFootball (@BigFootballGB) August 20, 2017
While fans hailed Messi for his performance despite not scoring a goal, they were also quick to point out the absence of Neymar. It seems like they need some getting used to the fact that Messi could be playing with Deulofeu and Alcacer on more than one occasion now.
Our attack is Deulofeu Alcacer and Messi
DAM. Exactly how I'm feeling— Ahmad (@ahmadf_o) August 20, 2017
Who would've thought Messi would be starting the first league game of the season alongside Deulofeu and Alcácer
— GCIIMessi (@GCIIMessi) August 20, 2017
From Messi, Suarez and Neymar
to Messi, Alcacer and DeulofeuGood summer, that
— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) August 20, 2017
Wasn't messi like from another planet and capable of making everyone play well. Can't he turn deulofeu to neymar now? Little magic?
— SA (@False10_) August 21, 2017
After forming tridents with the likes of Henry, Ronaldinho, Neymar & Suarez over his career, Messi is tonight joined by Deulofeu & Alcacer pic.twitter.com/R6mZBSNOej
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) August 20, 2017
Busquets and Messi amazing. Deulofeu showing his use against a weaker side (tho his overall performance poor).
— Muhammad Butt (@muhammadbutt) August 20, 2017
On a positive note, Nelson Semedo proved to be quite a stunner on his La Liga debut. He looked solid on field, much to the delight of the fans.
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Semedo's incredible debut:100% take-ons completed
100% tackles won
93% pass acuracy
2 clearance
1 chance created
33 km/h run
Speed ?? pic.twitter.com/xQKm1OtMRV— FCBdaily (@FCBdailyy) August 20, 2017
Semedo better start every single game.
— NAZ (@FCNazalona) August 20, 2017
The reaction to Semedo reminds us of Umtiti last season.
Love at first sight!
— totalBarça (@totalBarca) August 20, 2017
Semedo almost got a very deserved assist. The man's sprint is magnificent
— Ahmad (@ahmadf_o) August 20, 2017
Nelson Semedo finally gets a start pic.twitter.com/ItVpdAT9Ba
— El Máestro (@ElMaestrofcb) August 20, 2017
Really impressed with Semedo, had a good game at the Bernabeu & now he's also having a very good game. At this rate Vidal wont start ahead!
— El Máestro (@ElMaestrofcb) August 20, 2017
Semedo suits us perfectly. Everything about him is exactly what we need down the right. We've got a great wing-back on our hands here.
— FCB News (@FCBNewsRoom) August 20, 2017
100% – Nelson Semedo has been the only player on the field who completed all his passes in 1st half (27)
[@OptaJose] pic.twitter.com/6RKWqHbjUp— Barcelona Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) August 20, 2017
Baptism of fire for Semedo. He’ll have a big responsibility on both defensive and offensive to gain the regular starter RB spot.
— Cruyffista (@BusquetsLegacy) August 20, 2017
Semedo is love, Semedo is life
— Josip (@jperkovic93) August 20, 2017
Nelson Semedo has already surpassed Dani Carvajal. Unreal. Imagine how good he's going to be in a few months. TOTY incoming. pic.twitter.com/24w5SPBb4j
— M·A·J (@UltraAutistic) August 20, 2017
Semedo just reached 32 Km/h.
??????
— Lucas R. (@lucasammr) August 20, 2017
