LIONEL MESSI opened the scoring on his return to action for Barcelona and a Luis Suarez brace sunk River Plate 3-0 in the Club World Cup final in Japan yesterday.

    Suarez scored a semifinal hat trick as Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao was brushed aside and — joined once more by his forward allies Messi and Neymar — the Uruguayan star netted a second-half brace.

    Messi, who missed the semi through illness, opened the scoring as Luis Enrique’s team recovered from an uncertain opening to establish the control and dominance that has already secured La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League titles during 2015.

    Neymar had to settle for a pair of assists on his return from a groin problem as Barcelona’s formidable array of attacking talents made them the first club to win three Club World Cups, following successful 2009 and 2011 campaigns.

    River players ambitiously sought to push their illustrious opponents back during the opening stages, with Gerard Pique forced to head a dangerous cross from Tabare Viudez over his own crossbar.

    Barca rode out the early pressure and the returning Messi drew a stunning save from River goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero after his initial 11th-minute shot was blocked.

    A rash lunge from Jordi Alba on Carlos Sanchez earned a booking for the Barcelona full-back and demonstrated that Luis Enrique’s men were yet to fully settle.

    Rodrigo Mora and Lucas Alario tested Barca keeper Claudio Bravo from distance before Messi had a free-kick tipped around the post.

    Despite continuing to struggle for their customary fluency, Barcelona broke the deadlock through their talisman in the 36th minute.

    Neymar found himself in the slightly unusual role of rising at the back post to nod down a Dani Alves cross and Messi controlled the bouncing ball to prod past Barovero.

    (SD-Agencies)