Lionel Messi received something that few players get to experience in their careers last night. After he had scored a sumptuous hat-trick, his 51st of his career, the home fans stood and applauded him, chanting his name. It was reminiscent of the time that the Real Madrid fans stood and applauded Ronaldinho after he had scored a brace and inspired Barca to a huge win in the Bernabeu.
Messi’s third goal was the perfect strike to sum up his performance and indeed his career. Starting from deep, as he so often does these days for Barcelona he teased a couple of defenders before playing the ball out wide to Ivan Rakitic. Rakitic first time played the ball back to his captain on the edge of the box and with the subtlest of touches, he clipped the ball over the keeper into the far corner, kissing the bar as it dropped in.
The Argentine continues to defy logic with every performance and has now been at the top of the game for over a decade. He has won a whole heap of awards both individually including and with his team during his career. Last night alone he became the player to register the most wins as a Barcelona player and tied with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks in La Liga.
Messi may have won five Ballon d’Or’s, nine La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and five European Golden Shoes, but for one moment, forget all the awards, all the goals and all the assists. Just watch him. Watch his movement on the ball, the way he can shimmy past any defender with ease.
In recent years we have seen Messi drop deeper and deeper so much so that he is absolutely integral in everything that Barcelona do. With Xavi and Iniesta now gone, it has fallen on Messi’s shoulders to become the creative force in the Barcelona team as well as the goalscoring sensation. He is the best passer in world football, and that seems to get overlooked.
Remarkably he is now averaging a goal or assist every 53 minutes over all competitions. But again, you don’t need to get drawn into statistics with Lionel Messi. All you have to do is enjoy watching him play, as the man who has perfected the beautiful game. Nobody else comes close.
‘Cristiano Ronaldo scores so many important goals, year after year. Yet in terms of talent, ability, and just pure get out of your seat stuff, he'll never be able to lay a glove on Messi. He knows it as well. Must kill him inside.’ @WeahsCousin
@GuillemBalague sums up watching Lionel Messi perfectly.
"The fact you still got the kid in you saying: Oh my God and to actually get magic being played in front of your eyes..."
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