However, there was no stopping Gameiro's opener following good work down the left from Jose Gaya. The left-back picked out the French striker just inside the area, who then launched a full-blooded drive high past the reach of Jasper Cillessen.
Twelve minutes later it was 2-0. Rodrigo, who caused plenty of problems for Barca's backline, timed his run into the six-yard area perfectly to nod home Carlos Soler's cross.
Messi, who does have a habit of easing himself into games, tested opposition keeper Jaume Domenech for the first time just before the break before his full abilities came to the fore after the break.
The Argentine had one shot, with the outside of his boot, come off the post before he forced Domenech into making a stunning one-handed save.
Messi finally found the net with his 28th goal against Valencia in all competitions. Pique's header from a corner rebounded off the post and the number 10 tapped in from close range.
The expected onslaught in the final 15 minutes never materialised with, instead, Valencia's Goncalo Guedes twice going close to scoring a third for his side.
Victory meant coach Marcelino Garcia Toral ended a personal 20-game winless run in all competitions against Barcelona.
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