2016 Barcelona Home – Lionel Messi #10 Medium

The 2016/17 season was an emotional and transitional year for FC Barcelona, marking the final campaign under Luis Enrique — and the last full season of the legendary MSN trio (Messi, Suárez, Neymar) together. Despite turbulence, the team delivered thrilling football and added another major trophy to their golden era.

• La Liga:

  • 2nd place, finishing three points behind Real Madrid (93 vs. 90).

  • Scored an astonishing 116 goals, the highest in the league, while conceding 37.

  • Won both Clásicos, including an unforgettable 3–2 victory at the Bernabéu, sealed by Messi’s 500th Barcelona goal and his iconic “shirt celebration.”

• Copa del Rey:

  • Winners, defeating Deportivo Alavés 3–1 in the final — Messi scored one goal and assisted another.

  • This was their third consecutive Copa del Rey title, a testament to consistency under Luis Enrique.

• UEFA Champions League:

  • Reached the quarterfinals, famously producing one of the most historic comebacks in football history:

    • Barcelona 6–1 PSG (Round of 16) — overturning a 4–0 first-leg deficit.

    • Messi scored and led from the front in that legendary match.

  • Eliminated by Juventus (3–0 on aggregate) in the next round.

• Spanish Super Cup:

  • Winners, defeating Sevilla 5–0 on aggregate.

• Key Storyline:

  • The season showcased the brilliance of Messi’s maturity, Neymar’s flair, and Suárez’s finishing, but also the beginning of structural fatigue under Luis Enrique.

  • It was a year of breathtaking attacking football and dramatic moments that defined the MSN era’s legacy.

• Kit:
  The 2016/17 Barcelona home jersey, by Nike, brought back the classic vertical Blaugrana stripes after the 2015/16 horizontal experiment. The design featured subtle red gradient pinstripes on a rich blue base, gold Nike and sponsor logos, and the Qatar Airways branding. Sleek and timeless, it symbolized a return to tradition during a monumental year for Messi and the club.

2. Player’s Impact – Lionel Messi (2016/17)

Lionel Messi was nothing short of sensational throughout the 2016/17 season, delivering one of his most complete individual campaigns — creative, efficient, and clutch in the biggest moments.

• Appearances: 52 in all competitions.

• Statistics: 54 goals and 19 assists.

  • La Liga: 37 goals, 9 assists (Golden Boot winner).

  • Champions League: 11 goals (Top Scorer).

  • Copa del Rey: 5 goals, 5 assists.

• Key Moments:

  • 500th Barcelona goal vs. Real Madrid in a 3–2 Bernabéu thriller — one of the most iconic celebrations in football history.

  • Goal and assist in the Copa del Rey Final vs. Alavés.

  • Crucial free-kick and leadership in the 6–1 comeback over PSG.

• Role: Played as a roaming right forward / playmaker, drifting centrally to orchestrate play and exploit space — effectively the heartbeat of the attack.

• Legacy:

  • This season reinforced Messi’s reputation as the world’s most decisive player, carrying Barcelona in key matches.

  • The 2016/17 campaign is widely remembered as “Messi’s season of miracles” — a masterclass in leadership, composure, and football genius.

3. Full Squad List – FC Barcelona 2016/17

Manager: Luis Enrique

Goalkeepers:

• Marc-André ter Stegen

• Jasper Cillessen

• Jordi Masip

Defenders:

• Gerard Piqué

• Javier Mascherano

• Samuel Umtiti

• Jordi Alba

• Sergi Roberto

• Lucas Digne

• Aleix Vidal

• Jérémy Mathieu

Midfielders:

• Sergio Busquets

• Andrés Iniesta (Captain)

• Ivan Rakitić

• André Gomes

• Denis Suárez

• Rafinha

• Arda Turan

Forwards:

• Lionel Messi

• Luis Suárez

• Neymar Jr.

• Paco Alcácer