Lionel Messi evidently better than Cristiano Ronaldo in return fixture. Best pictures of Barcelona superstar against Mallorca

Lionel Messi returned without a beard and with a goal and two assists as Barcelona resumed their La Liga title challenge on Saturday with a thumping 4-0 victory over Real Mallorca.

Lionel Messi returned without a beard and with a goal and two assists as Barcelona resumed their La Liga title challenge on Saturday with a thumping 4-0 victory over Real Mallorca. (Photo | AFP) 

After three months away because of the coronavirus pandemic, Barca exploded into the lead with just 64 seconds played when Arturo Vidal headed in and Martin Braithwaite struck a second from a Messi headed assist. (Photo | AP)

Lionel Messi gestures his teammates ahead of taking a corner kick. (Photo | AP)

Lionel Messi vies for the ball with Mallorca's Iddrisu Mohamed Baba. (Photo | AP)

Lionel Messi dribbles his way past Mallorca players. (Photo | AP)

Lionel Messi challenges Mallorca goalkeeper Manolo Reina with a shot. (Photo | AFP)

Lionel Messi celebrates next to teammate Nelson Semedo after scoring. (Photo | AFP)

Victory extends Messi-captained Barca's advantage at the top of La Liga to five points over Real Madrid, who can reduce the gap back to two when they restart at home to Eibar on Sunday.