The Argentine created Ivan Rakitic’s opening goal and had former coach Pep Guardiola watching on in astonishment when he brilliantly deceived the Manchester City winger
Few superlatives do Lionel Messi’s form in 2015 justice, but the statistics speak for themselves. Thirteen games in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League have brought 17 goals and eight assists.
Manchester City arrived at Camp Nou aiming to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit but with the Argentine in this kind of form, they stood little chance.
An enthralling display was best summed up by a single moment in the 38th minute, at the expense of James Milner. Seemingly trapped in little space near the right touchline, Messi nutmegged the England winger as he approached, leaving him sprawled on the turf before moving into space in the centre of the pitch.
In the stands, his former coach and mentor Pep Guardiola covered his face in disbelief. Not long afterwards, Messi subjected Fernandinho to the same trick.
He had made his most important contribution moments earlier. Brilliantly controlling the ball in the inside-right channel, Messi stepped away from his man and curled a superb pass into the path of Ivan Rakitic, who put Barcelona ahead.
That made it 3-1 on aggregate and left City facing an uphill struggle but Messi did not relent. He completed seven dribbles in the first half alone, only two fewer than every other player on the pitch combined in the first 45 minutes.
The only thing missing was a goal, but that was not for lack of trying; Joe Hart, in the Manchester City goal, was his only rival for the man of the match award.
Sergio Aguero could have put the pressure on the hosts late in the game, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved his penalty. As is often the case, Messi and Barcelona were just too good.
