8.5/10
Assists: 2
Goals: 1
After a poor sequence of games against the reigning champions of Spain in recent times, Sunday saw Messi finally give Simeone’s men the run around. It was noticeable from the off that the little Argentinian was pumped up and took the game by the scruff of the neck in a way he hasn’t done for far too long. He played a starring role in all 3 of his sides goals and was a constant menace all night.
MessiBarcelona started in electric fashion, with Messi at the fore front of everything positive they did. After a nice flowing move, he created the first goal by weaving his way inside the box, displaying magical feet in the process. He then played a deft ball across to Luis Suarez, who inadvertently scuffed his shot into the path of Neymar. The Brazilian tapped home to break the deadlock. Sensing blood, Messi and co hounded the Atletico defence in search of a quick fire second. He came close to scoring a few minutes later, receiving the ball on the edge of the area before cutting past the opposing defender, only to see his relatively tame shot saved by Moyà.
Shortly after the games most special moment came about following more magic from the growingly influential Messi. The ball was played out wide, before he took it past the oncoming defender and raced forward. You could sense the fear in the opponents hearts as he raced toward goal. He cut into the penalty area before laying a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Suarez, who this time scored without a hesitation. Their had been a shout from the Atletico players of handball in the build up but the goal stood.
Messi now looked like he wanted to take the defenders on whenever he got the ball as he terrorised the struggling Jesus Gamez. He appeared to be flourishing back on the right and was able to have far more of an influence on the game. His work rate seemed to be much higher than normal also, as he pressed in a way in which we haven’t seen for many a year. Whenever the Argentine got on the ball, it seemed as if you wouldn’t be able to get him off. No matter what rough treatment he received, he just didn’t give the ball away. Not everything he did payed off but most things did and it was truly a sight to behold in that first 45 minutes. The 4 times Ballon D’Or winner looked somewhere near back to his best.
In the second period he was more subdued as Atletico enjoyed slightly more possession. However he still looked impressive when on the ball and made a nuisance of himself. His passing was pin pointedly accurate and the ball appeared to be attached to his foot at times. He had a couple of sighters in the latter stages before he finally bagged a much deserved goal for himself as the game approached the dying minutes to secure the 3 points for his side. The ball was whipped into the box and from a miscued clearance, he pounced to tap home from close range. A tremendous image of himself, Neymar and Suarez (the 3 goal scorers) celebrating afterwards is one that would have warmed the hearts of all Barcelona following a difficult season so far by their exceptionally high standards.
He still wasn’t quite at the peak of his powers but it was a much improved performance compared to the majority we have seen so far this season. Perhaps on the eve of the Ballon D’Or ceremony of which Cristiano Ronaldo was always certain to win, he found himself extra motivated. Far too often in the last year we have seen him be on the periphery of games and against such a top team, the influence he had on the game was great to see.