Barcelona began the new campaign with a 3-0 win over Alavés with the help of an under-the-wall free-kick from Lionel Messi, who scored twice, and a curling shot from the substitute Philippe Coutinho.

The champions had dominated the late kick-off at a quiet Camp Nou but struggled to convert chances against a shrewd Alavés, who are the last team to win a league game at the Catalans’ home, beating them 2-1 in 2016.

Messi had clanged the crossbar in the first half from a set piece and Ousmane Dembélé forced the visiting goalkeeper, Pacheco, to make an impressive save while Luis Suárez looked ineffective.

Messi, the new Barcelona captain, finally broke the deadlock in the 64th minute with his enterprising free-kick, which recalled a similar strike against Celta Vigo last season and brought the stadium to its feet.

Record signing Coutinho’s curler sealed the three points but Messi, the top scorer in La Liga last season with 34 goals, had the final say with a simple left-foot finish at the near post which proved to be the final kick of the game.

Barcelona join Levante and Real Sociedad on three points. Real Madrid host Getafe on Sunday and Atlético Madrid visit Valencia on Monday.