Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic has urged people to just "enjoy" the skills of Lionel Messi after his 10 years at the top of the game.
Messi, 29, kicked off the new season in fine fettle on Saturday, scoring twice in a superb all-round display as Real Betis were thrashed 6-2 at the Camp Nou.
And Croatia international Rakitic said: "After 10 years in football I think all the people that watch are surprised each game.
"So just enjoy him and hope he can do it again next week. It's fun [being a teammate of Messi]."
After the summer departure of Dani Alves to Juventus, Messi has been joined on the right flank by Sergi Roberto.
Former midfielder Roberto, who has been converted to a right-back by Luis Enrique, said he felt Messi's ambition was what kept him on top of his game.
"Without doubt he is the No. 1," he added. "He demonstrates that every day and has been at this level for many years.
"Game to game, we learn a lot of things from him and in training you learn so much as well. It is a pleasure to play by his side.
"What stays with you, is the ambition -- the ambition that he has had since he began with the first team at Barca, that ambition to be the No. 1 player in the world, has not been lost."
Barca striker Luis Suarez, who scored a hat trick against Betis, said: "Leo has started like a beast and is the best player in the world. All you can do is surrender to his feet and enjoy him."
Coach Luis Enrique added: "Messi was at an extraordinary level, as always."