Against his favourite opponents in terms of goals scored, there was always a chance Lionel Messi would end up on the winning side in the Spanish Super Cup final.
In previous meetings against the Andalusians the Argentinian had scored 31 goals in 33 games and had become a real thorn in their side.
A particular case in point came last season when Barcelona were 2-0 down at the Sanchez-Pizjuan with less than 10 minutes to play and heading for their first league defeat of the season. Step forward substitute Messi to help salvage a point.
All of the wizardry we have come to expect was on show in Tangier on Sunday night, and the win means that Barcelona’s new captain now has 33 titles to his name, surpassing the previous club record of 32 that he shared with Andres Iniesta.
El Ilusionista scored a wonder goal in Japan this weekend, reminding everyone that he’s lost none of his incredible skills, but this final, even though he didn’t score, had Messi’s imprint all over it.
Rarely has there been a player that when it comes to the really big games he shows up, almost without exception.
Though it wasn’t quite the beating Sevilla took in the Copa del Rey earlier this year, there wasn’t too much doubt that the Catalans would win against their opponents for the third time in this competition in the last 10 years.
The scoreline suggests a narrow victory, but Barca’s dominance was clear to see - and what a goal to win it!
Ernesto Valverde will be delighted after what was an underwhelming US tour. From being International Champions Cup winners last season, the Blaugrana finished bottom of the pile this time around and couldn’t call upon any of their biggest stars thanks to their World Cup participation.
The traditional Camp Nou curtain-raiser, the Gamper Trophy, is next up in midweek, Boca Juniors the opponents before the real stuff begins against Alaves.
With Real Madrid very much in a transitional phase after an atypical summer, Atletico Madrid would appear, at least initially, to be Barcelona’s biggest challenge to retaining their La Liga and Copa del Rey titles.
As long as Messi stays injury free for the most part again, Valverde now has enough depth in his squad to give them real options in all areas, as was see on Sunday night.
It would be no surprise if the captain has his hands on more silverware before the season is out but, for now, he and his club will be basking in the afterglow of another job well done, whilst the rest of us marvel at how blessed we are to be able to enjoy his majesty.
