Lionel Messi scored twice on his first appearance in 59 days as Barcelona edged towards the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey with a 4-0 win over Getafe in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
The four-time World Player of the Year replaced Andres Iniesta after 63 minutes with Barcelona leading 2-0 thanks to a Cesc Fabregas double.
Messi put the tie to bed a minute from time when he slotted home a loose ball inside the area. He added his 16th goal of the season with a stunning run and finish to round off the scoring in stoppage time.
With Messi having been out of action since tearing his hamstring in the 4-1 win over Real Betis in early November he was left on the bench by Barca boss Gerardo Martino. The Argentine coach also had Saturday’s upcoming top of the table clash away to Atletico Madrid in mind as he made had made six changes to the side that started last weekend’s 4-0 win over Elche.
However, with Messi and Neymar, ruled out by a stomach bug, again not in the starting line-up, Martino maintained the front three of Alexis Sanchez, Pedro Rodriguez and Fabregas.
Martino’s selection proved inspired as Pedro’s lobbed cross was expertly headed into the far corner by Fabregas after just eight minutes.
The former Arsenal player then converted a penalty in the 63rd minute before the Messi show began.
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