Lionel Messi showed his Golden Boot award off to the Camp Nou and then watched his Barcelona team-mates show how well they can manage without their injured talisman.

Sporting a sky-blue wooly hat, Messi, who is out until January with a torn hamstring, looked on as Andres Iniesta, wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Xavi Hernandez and Victor Valdes, ran the first half and scored the penalty that gave Barcelona the lead.

Cesc Fabregas took a tumble in the area as Dimitri Foulquier closed in. The decision looked generous and the former Arsenal captain wanted to take the spot-kick but Iniesta pulled rank and found the corner to make it 1-0.

He became the 12th different Barcelona scorer this season with Barcelona showing their quality in depth. Neymar was enjoying his role as Barcelona’s central striker in Messi’s absence and he wanted to take the second penalty Barcelon were awarded for Fran Rico’s foul on Iniesta. But it was Fabregas’ turn and he found the top corner to make it 2-0.

Neymar had been targeted by Granada defenders in the first 45 minutes but also picked up a booking himself from fouling Piti. It was Piti who came closest for the visitors striking Pinto’s bar. Pedro should have made it 3-0 after the break when Montoya’s cross came to him on the edge of the area but he leaned back and blazed over.

Iniesta continued his masterclass slipping Neymar through only for the Brazilian’s shot to be saved by Roberto. The Spain international has still not signed a new deal with his current contract set to run-out at the end of the next season. It was a performance to ensure that the Barcelona board make sure he puts pen to paper soon.

Having had three players booked in the first half the chances were always high that the visitors would not finish with 11 players and Iturra picked up a second yellow for a lunge on Pedro. Granada then had their best chance but full-back Nyom took an age to finish inside the six-yard box and Pinto saved at his near post. Barcelona went straight down the other end and Neymar played in Alexis who made it three. The Chilean was taken off along with Sergi Busquet as Alex Song and Sergi Roberto came on.

Barcelona’s third substitute was one that might be looked back on future years if forecasts from club coaches are to be believed.

Adama Traore replaced Neymar with ten minutes left. The 17-year-old has already debuted for Spain U-19s and big things are expected. He went on one mazy run, bursting past Nyom before seeing his shot saved by Roberto.

One player looking at the competition will be Pedro who then scored from Fabregas’ cross on 89 minutes to make it 4-0.

Barcelona go to Amsterdam next week to play Ajax in the Champions League — once again without Messi and keeper Valdes — but judging from this showing their absences are unlikely to be a problem.

—Daily Mail