Luis Enrique is very fortunate to have arguably the most spectacular attacking trident in over 115 years of Barcelona history at his disposal. While the Catalans' much-improved defensive stability also played a considerable part, it is clear that the historical Champions League, Liga and Copa del Rey treble achieved last season would have been impossible without difference-makers Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
Undoubtedly, Messi is the most talented footballer to ever wear the Barcelona shirt. His exquisite technique, mesmerising dribbling skills, unique peripheral vision when looking for passing options and cold-blooded attitude in front of goal make him the player every football fan on the planet dreams of having in their team.
The quadruple Ballon d'Or winner is, deservedly, the main reference up front at Barcelona. Having the freedom to roam around the team's final third in whichever way he sees fit enables him to identify, then exploit, spaces with ease, leaving rivals wondering if there is any point in spending countless hours in training trying to predict the diminutive Argentinean's movements.
One of the club's older players, the 28-year-old is handed the responsibility to lead his side to victory every time he steps onto the pitch. Some may argue this is thanks to the stability that comes from having played under the same footballing philosophy since joining La Masia back in 2000; others will say performing in front of the more supportive, loving Catalan fan base is also a factor.
However, the main reason why Messi excels at Barcelona week in, week out is his teammates' attitudes toward him. Having world-class stars such as Andres Iniesta, Neymar and Suarez all willing to put their egos aside and adapt their individual game to enhance their leader's impact makes all the difference.
While in a meet and greet session in Los Angeles during their preseason tour of the USA, a young fan approached Suarez and, while asking for an autograph, complimented him with a heartfelt "You are the best" message. The Uruguayan international, without hesitation, replied: "I'm not. Do you know who the best player is?" The smiles that followed once the kid replied "Yes, Messi" are a clear indication of the way everybody at the Camp Nou understands their role within the team.
Yet Messi's position at the very top of Barcelona's hierarchy certainly doesn't mean that his teammates simply sit back, relax and clap while the Rosario-born genius is at work. If the No. 10 is the hot favourite to win a record fifth Ballon d'Or it is precisely thanks to the invaluable support he continuously receives from those around him.
Suarez was, undoubtedly, the key man at Liverpool before completing his move to the Camp Nou. His impressive 31 goals in 33 league appearances for the Merseysiders not only granted him recognition as the English Premier League's Player of the Year in the 2013-14 season, but also enabled him to share the European Golden Boot trophy with Cristiano Ronaldo. His ability to occupy a rival's defence with his astute movement on and off the ball was the main reason why Barcelona were prepared to invest a massive €81 million to sign him.
Neymar already had 100 goals and a South American Player of the Year award for Santos by the time he turned 20. Unsurprisingly, the Brazilian teenager received numerous offers from virtually every major club on the planet as a result and the gifted forward could have very easily demanded No. 1 status from any prospective employers.
However, both Suarez and Neymar opted to join Barcelona despite being fully aware that Messi would retain his status as the club's superstar until the day he decides to retire.
Contrary to what many predicted, both South American heavyweights have in fact seen their careers boosted by their move to the Camp Nou.
Messi has been heavily involved in helping both Suarez and Neymar adapt to life in Catalunya at both professional and personal level. The atmosphere in the dressing room has certainly played a part, but the countless hours of quality time shared by players' families away from the spotlight has also created a bond is obvious at all times.
While Luis Enrique is not likely to admit it publicly, everyone is fully aware that Barcelona lack that crucial edge whenever Neymar and, especially, Messi are not included in the starting XI. Despite being the stand-out performer in the club's preseason games so far, Suarez has looked largely isolated upfront and is secretly counting the seconds until the MSN trident is reunited.
Thanks to the goals of Messi (58), Suarez (25) and Neymar (39), the Catalans' lethal frontline racked up a record 122 between them in the 2014-15 campaign, with a mind-blowing 80 of those coming after the winter break.
Considering the strong foundation which the three South American stars have built their professional and personal relationship upon, their incredibly successful partnership can only strengthen in their second season together at the Camp Nou. As long as they can remain healthy, humble and motivated, there is reason to believe the Catalans could very well be celebrating their second sextuple after the final whistle of the Club World Cup final in Japan on Dec. 20.