'I take responsibility for my mistakes' - Lionel Messi calls for an end to Barcelona feuding

Lionel Messi smiles during the 4-0 win against Villarreal on Sunday, their first league game of the season. AFP

Ansu Fati had a night to enjoy. Getty

Ansu Fati celebrates with team mates scoring the opening goal. AP

Barcelona's Ansu Fati celebrates scoring their second goal. Reuters

Villarreal's Spanish midfielder Daniel Parejo challenges Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho. AFP

Barcelona's striker Antoine Griezmann takes a shot. EPA

Barcelona celebrate their fourth goal. EPA

Coach Ronald Koeman greets Lionel Messi at the end of the game. AFP

Lionel Messi scores Barca's third goal from the penalty spot. Reuters

Messi celebrates his goal. EPA

Lionel Messi takes on the Villarreal defence. EPA

Ansu Fati in action. Reuters

Lionel Messi, Ansu Fati and midfielder Philippe Coutinho celebrate the fourth goal. EPA

Coach Ronald Koeman greets Barcelona's Spanish forward Ansu Fati. AFP

Ansu Fati celebrates scoring the opening goal. AP

Lionel Messi called for "an end" to arguments at Barcelona as he urged unity at the club he tried to leave before the season.

"After so many disagreements, I would like to put an end to it," said Messi in an interview with Barcelona newspaper Sport.

"We must unite all Barcelona's people and assume that the best is yet to come."

Messi referred to his attempt to force Barcelona to release him from the final year of his contract after the disastrous end to last season left the club without a trophy.

"I take responsibility for my mistakes, that, if they existed, were only to make a better and stronger FC Barcelona," said the Argentine.

"I wanted to send a message to all the club members and to all the fans. If any of them is bothered for a second by something I said or did, they should never doubt that I am always thinking about what is best for the club.

"Adding passion and desire will be the only way to achieve our objectives, always united and pulling in the same direction," said Messi, who last Friday criticised the way Barcelona had let Luis Suarez go saying "the truth is nothing surprises me anymore."