Barcelona new boy Antoine Griezmann joked about copying Lionel Messi’s celebration from training following his second goal against Real Betis at the Camp Nou on Sunday.

The France international scored twice in the hosts’ 5-2 win over the Seville side to get the defending champions off the mark this season. The second goal was an incredible curler from the edge of the box, reminiscent of Messi himself. Griezmann followed the goal by celebrating with his arms stretched out and a wide grin aimed at the fans.

The former Atletico Madrid man joked he copied it from Messi and Basketball star LeBron James.

“Yes, I saw Leo do it in training and I copied him,” Griezmann said, laughing, to Movistar after the game.

“The celebration? I liked what LeBron [James] did and tried to copy him.”

The Catalans were under pressure after an opening day defeat to Atheltic Bilbao at San Mames but reacted brilliantly.

“After the defeat there were a lot of comments; we had to work this week,” Griezmann admitted.

“We woke up after their goal and in the end we played well, with a lot of chances. We enjoyed ourselves and we hope it’s always like that.

“We really wanted to play again after Bilbao; we improved but there are still details to work on.

“In the end, when important people are missing, the team has to step up and today has been like that.

“I can’t do it alone; if I score or give assists it’s thanks to my teammates. We’re a team. It’s the best when, in spite of injuries, people who come in can respond.”