Lionel Messi’s genius decided an evenly disputed match between Barcelona and Bayern Munich on Wednesday. He is an extraordinary footballer and after the game, much was written and said about whether there is a system to stop him.
But it’s not as simple as that.
Barcelona played a fantastic first 15 minutes against Bayern and had two great chances in that spell – one through Dani Alves and the other with Luis Suarez. The same thing then happened in the last 15 minutes. It’s not only Messi, however – it’s Barcelona.
Suarez gives Barca the aggression that is so important in the attacking third; Neymar is there to finish off a counter-attack, an individual action or a collective move; the presence of Ivan Rakitic makes Barca more aggressive in midfield and in winning the ball back; Javier Mascherano in defence is everywhere; Gerard Pique has been immense this year; and the full-backs attack constantly.
Lionel Messi in the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League
Barcelona are a unit and in that unit, the individual talent of Lionel obviously stands out – but he wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of his team-mates.
The presence of Suarez and Neymar – in his second season – has helped him. He has the support of the entire team. Rakitic has given Barca extra stability in midfield and is a different option to players like Xavi and, previously, Thiago. The attacking potential of Suarez is an added plus for Barca – and for Lionel – this season and his aggression, along with that of Pedro and Neymar, allows Messi to take advantage of that sacrifice from his team-mates.
At Atletico Madrid we played Barcelona six times last season and Messi did not score in those matches. But Lionel is enjoying a great season this time around. Perhaps last year he was not at the consistent level he has been at in 2014-15. Right now he is at the level we have come to expect from him over the years – and obviously that makes it very difficult for any rival that comes up against him.