
Lionel Messi
took up where he left off last season as the Argentinian scored twice
to help Barcelona and the new coach, Tito Vilanova, to a 5-1 home win
over Real Sociedad in their La Liga opener.
Carles
Puyol, Pedro and David Villa, who came on for his first competitive
action since breaking his leg last December, also scored to give Barça
an immediate advantage over their arch-rivals Real Madrid, who were held
1-1 at home by Valencia.
"It was a good win but the
best news of all is the return of 'El Guaje' [Villa], we have missed
him," the Barça midfielder Xavi told Spanish television.
The
champions had earlier dominated at the Bernabeu but were frustrated by a
new-look Valencia and some outstanding saves from the goalkeeper Diego
Alves.
The World Player of the Year Messi scored a
league record 50 goals last season and settled Barça with quick strikes
to give them a 3-1 lead inside 15 minutes at the Nou Camp on Sunday
night.
Pedro volleyed in a fourth just before the break
but the biggest cheer was reserved for Villa when he was brought on in
the second half and then stroked home the fifth goal near the end.



