Messi, who scored in the first League fixture of the season for the fifth consecutive year, netted on each side of half time, with 18-year-old sensation Munir El Haddadi netting on his senior debut as Barca secured the victory, despite going down to ten men after Javier Mascherano was shown red on 43 minutes.
Messi was undoubtedly the star and received his coach’s praise after the game.
“Messi is the best player in the world” Enrique said. “But in almost all aspects of the game. He’ll remain the best in the world for as long as he wants to be.”
Yet the Catalan tactician insists that all members of his side are important for the team this season.
“All of the team members will be important and play key roles this season,” he said.
“For me it’s not a matter of a first eleven and substitutes.”
New signing Ivan Rakitic was pleased with his Camp Nou debut, and was thrilled to play alongside some of “the best players in the world”.
“It’s so much easier playing alongside the best players in the world, but this was just the first step,” the Croatian international said.
“I have a lot still to do. Luis Enrique has worked out all of the details but there is a lot that needs to be improved.”
The former Sevilla midfielder was delighted to play on the pitch with Messi, but knows his place in Barca’s starting 11 is not guaranteed.
“It is a joy for all of us to be able to play alongside Messi,” he said.
“I want to play my football,” he continued. "But I won’t get anything for free. I have to work hard.”
Barcelona travel to Villarreal for their second League fixture on Sunday, 31 August.