Barcelona are nowhere near the team of champions that Messi requested Barcelona Another defeat in Granada

An awful run of away form continued for Barcelona in Granada as their woeful start to the season continued, despite the return of Lionel Messi.

The Argentinian played 45 minutes of the second half but even his presence was not enough to turn things around for the Catalan side.

"This is my home and I don't want to go, but I want to win," Messi said just a week ago, but a team of champions is certainly not what took to the field in Granada, at least in Barcelona colours.

Recently promoted Granada walked all over Barcelona as Ernesto Valverde's experiments in midfield failed again.

His position may even be under threat with only two good results, both at home, and he has work to do.

One of the areas he must improve is Antoine Griezmann, as the Frenchman continues to provide little and looks lost on the pitch, despite his work rate.

On the right in Dortmund and on the left in Granada, he should be doing much more for Barcelona.

Junior Firpo was another summer signing, making his first start for the club at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes, but it took him just one minute to make an error leading to a goal and Antonio Puertas ran riot down his flank until he was taken off at half-time.

It is the worst start Barcelona have had since there have been three points for a win in the league, with just seven from five games, having failed to beat two newly promoted teams.

What's worse, Barcelona, alongside Real Betis, have conceded more than any other LaLiga Santander team with nine goals against.

It is worth recognising the good work of Diego Martinez though, who took Granada back to the top flight and has temporarily led them to the top.