If Messi didn't get injured, where would Barcelona be now? Barcelona vs Real Valladolid Argentine scored brace in 5-1 victory

Barcelona stormed back into action domestically after the postponement of Saturday's Clasico with a thumping 5-1 victory over Real Valladolid on Tuesday night.

Lionel Messi was at his best as he bagged a brace and provided two assists in the win, showing that he is starting to find top form after the injuries that he suffered at the start of the season.

Messi is already close to being back to his best after a stunted start to the campaign due to injury. He has quickly caught up with the pace of his teammates and added two assists to his two goals on Tuesday night. The Argentine scored the 50th direct free-kick of his career, too.

Messi's display also included one of those small acts which aren't reported in newspaper columns, but they certainly bring the Camp Nou to its feet. His classic nutmeg brought the iconic 'oooh' sound from the home crowd as he left Oscar Plano embarrassed.

Arturo Vidal hasn't always been happy in the 2019/20 season, but the Chilean midfielder was on song on Tuesday. He was on fire as he put in his best display of the campaign, even scoring a goal. It was the dynamic display that only he is capable of within Barcelona's midfield ranks.

Providing nothing changes, Ivan Rakitic is playing his final matches in a Barcelona shirt, and he is now the second to last choice in the midfield ranks. He added a late assist to Messi's second goal and the Camp Nou provided him with a standing ovation in thanks for his service.

After a month without first-team football, Ansu Fati reappeared and the absence clearly showed as the match went on. He had the chance to score after a fine Messi pass in the 53rd minute, but he wasted the opportunity. In his last match as a 16-year-old, he took the applause from the crowd as a gift, rather than earned as praise.

After three successive clean sheets, Marc-Andre ter Stegen finally conceded a goal. It wasn't a great moment for the German stopper as the ball found its way past him via a rebound.