However, the manner in which the free-kick came about was somewhat fortuitous.
Ousmane Dembele picked up the ball in midfield and bore down on goal and Viergever in defence. The defender went to ground, and although replays show he won the ball, the referee booked him and awarded the free kick.
Just on the edge of the box, it was in the perfect position for Messi, who almost never misses from this range these days.
He stepped up, and chipped a delightful effort over the wall and into the top corner, getting Barcelona off to the perfect start.
18 September 2018