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Lionel Messi's message to Josep Bartomeu? Barcelona star's stunning pass map in victory over Juventus proves he's as influential as ever in first game since ousted president's exit

No doubt news of Josep Bartomeu's resignation as Barcelona president on Tuesday was greeted with rejoicing in the Messi household.

After all, the Argentine star's appraisal of the Bartomeu years at the Nou Camp was scathing - 'The truth is there has been no clear project here for a long time, they juggle and plug holes with no real plan.'

It led to the very real possibility that Messi would leave Barcelona during the summer, potentially for a reunion with former manager Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Lionel Messi was back to his match-winning best as Barcelona defeated Juventus 2-0 in Turin
The Barcelona captain capped off an influential performance with a stoppage time penalty
It came 24 hours after Barcelona's president Josep Bartomeu, who had been criticised by Messi over the summer, resigned from his post

In the end Messi stayed amid a legal wrangle over his release clause but as long as Bartomeu remained there would be a shadow over him.