Nobody would say that Lionel Messi was bad last season but brilliant Barcelona forward would even admit I was not at its best.
The star of Argentina could not match his almost alien efforts last season and ended up finishing second top scorer in the league, behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
His younger decline coincided with what turned out to be a bad season at Barcelona and people wondered if this was the beginning of the end.
But Messi scored two goals against Elche in the first match of La Liga Barcelona, Sandro set for the winner against Villarreal.
While it is impossible to say whether he'll play at the highest level again this term, there are several good signs of his preparations for summer al fresco blowing through the club.
Here are five reasons why Barcelona supporters and, indeed, football fans, Messi can expect to be at his best again.
A Preseason Nourishing and Non-International
What a difference a year makes. Last
season Lionel Messi was flying from one place to another in Barcelona and also
their own individual sponsorship agreements.
But as Martin says Ramiro for Sport, after the World Cup this summer, Messi has been resting. Martin writes:
He devoted himself to rest with his family, first to Rosario and then later on the Isle of Capri, only breaking their own rules to accompany his friend Deco in a tribute match in Porto. Last summer 40,000 km between June 15 and July 7 to serve the advertising plans and community this summer ... not yet covered.
Your lower leg injury prevented him join Argentina in the current slowdown, which has avoided travel and extra games.
But as Martin says Ramiro for Sport, after the World Cup this summer, Messi has been resting. Martin writes:
He devoted himself to rest with his family, first to Rosario and then later on the Isle of Capri, only breaking their own rules to accompany his friend Deco in a tribute match in Porto. Last summer 40,000 km between June 15 and July 7 to serve the advertising plans and community this summer ... not yet covered.
Your lower leg injury prevented him join Argentina in the current slowdown, which has avoided travel and extra games.
A strict coach Luis Enrique
Tata Martino was pretty lax with his players, but Luis Enrique will not follow the same path.
Instead, it has much more in common with taskmaster Pep Guardiola, who had several rules in place for Barca squad to follow.
Enrique has imposed a similar set of rules, which should help restore discipline and order on the one hand, something that benefited Lionel Messi before.
With the guidance of Guardiola, who found his way to peak with a blaugrana shirt and Enrique will be trying to bring that back.
Enrique has revitalized the club, along with the new influx of summer signings Barcelona and feel an exciting place to be again.
Luis Suarez and Neymar
Alexis Sanchez and Pedro are good players, but there is a fear factor with Luis Suarez and Neymar should help Lionel Messi.
Neymar spent large swathes of last season on the bench, but if you can find fitness this term, along with Messi and Suarez, create a terrible front three.
Often, proponents of the opposition would focus on annular Messi, Alexis and sure Peter would not be able to damage very seriously.
He played in the hands of Alexis, to some extent, with the Chilean enjoying his best season in Barcelona.
But with Suarez and Neymar buzzing around, proponents feel less happy focusing all their attention on Argentina.
World Cup Burnout Without Fear
Although Tata Martino never admitted it, is hard to shake the idea that Lionel Messi was saving some part of himself for the World Cup.
Players manage their bodies well. They know how long the season and the amount of effort you can put in without burning themselves.
Even if he would not do it on purpose, subconsciously appreciated Messi World Cup was in the corner.
Instead of going hell-for-leather in the final weeks of the season, played at a reasonable pace.
In the first match of this season's league, which seemed to put more effort in than any of the last to the end of last season.
The America's Cup takes place next summer, but that's much less of a problem for players World Cup.
Messi was awarded the Golden Ball for the tournament this summer, showing he had plenty left in his tank.
Cristiano Ronaldo Wish Bata
The battle between these two players is one of the best the game has ever seen.
Cristiano Ronaldo won the last round, winning the Golden Ball in January and also reaping an incredible 17 goals in the Champions League, breaking the record of Lionel Messi by three.
While it might be impossible for Messi to match that, you can certainly fight back Ballon, given their screens for the World Cup.
Partner is always Ronaldo, who seems to talk about his rivalry with Messi preferring to do his talking on the pitch.
And this season, as we have seen, everything lines up to do just that.