Despite the close attentions of six Real Betis players, Lionel Messi arrowed an accurate finish beyond goalkeeper Antonio Adan to hand Barcelona a 2-1 lead on Saturday.
The visit of Betis marked Barca's first La Liga match of the season, but not its inaugural 2016-17 competitive outing. Luis Enrique's side defeated Sevilla 5-0 after two legs of the Supercopa de Espana which concluded on Wednesday.
Related: Barcelona vanquishes Sevilla, reclaims Supercopa de Espana crown